Intel: Turkey to test Russian S-400 air defense system amid tensions in NATO
NATO's secretary-general urged Turkey on Monday to seek alternatives to the Russian system, but Turkey plans to test-fire the S-400 this month.
Turkey has issued aviation warnings for the area of the northern city of Sinop amid reports that Ankara’s military intends to test its Russian-built S-400 air defense system within the next two weeks.
“Missile firing will take place” up to 200,000 feet between Oct. 13-16 near the Black Sea coastal city of Sinop, a “notice to airmen” issued by the Turkish government read. Another notice listed civil aviation routes in the area that would be closed during the exercise. Unmanned aerial vehicles are also scheduled to be flown in the area.
Turkish Minute first reported today that Ankara plans to test-fire the S-400 in area of Sinop between Oct. 5 and Oct. 16, using British-made Banshee target drones.
Videos purporting to show S-400 components in transit in northern Turkey circulated on social media today.
