ISTANBUL — Ever since the first batch of S-400 missiles landed just outside Ankara in 2019, Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian-made air defense system has been a central friction point in its relations with the United States.
Washington has repeatedly called on Turkey to remove the S-400s from its territory, citing concerns that their radars pose a threat to NATO defense infrastructure. Leading Turkish officials, however, maintained the missiles were necessary to bolster domestic security. This stance initially led to the nation's suspension from NATO’s F-35 fighter jet program and later, in December 2020, saw the imposition of US sanctions on Turkey over the purchase.