Intel: Turkey to test Russian S-400 air defense system amid tensions in NATO

The United States has repeatedly warned Turkey that acquiring and activating the S-400 may lead to economic sanctions.

Ankara already reportedly tested the S-400’s communications systems by scrambling F-16s last year, but postponed a planned activation in April, citing the coronavirus pandemic. Some experts saw this as an opportunity for Washington to reengage with Ankara on the dispute.

Turkey purchased the S-400 after the Washington hesitated to provide Turkey with the Patriot air defense system. The Trump administration then kicked Turkey out of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program in July 2019 when Ankara’s new S-400 first touched down on Turkish soil, amid concerns the system’s radars could provide Russia with intelligence on the advanced F-35 fighter jet’s capabilities.

News of the latest planned test comes amid a low point in Turkey’s relations with Washington and other NATO allies over conflicts in Syria and the Caucuses, as well as a maritime dispute in the eastern Mediterranean.

What’s next: It is not clear how Washington will react if Turkey tests the S-400 missiles.

Last year Congress passed sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of the S-400, but the Trump administration has so far not implemented them.

Members of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees did not immediately return Al-Monitor’s requests for comment.

Know more: Russia has again floated the idea of selling the S-400 to Iran, though there is no sign of any deal yet, at least publicly.