Turkey will not back down from its decision to buy Russian S-400 missile defence systems despite US warnings that it will lead to Ankara's exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet programme, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says.
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In what has become the main source of tension between Ankara and Washington, the NATO allies have sparred publicly for months over Turkey's purchase of the S-400s, which Washington has said could trigger US sanctions.
US Acting Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan last week sent his Turkish counterpart a letter warning that Ankara would be pulled out of the F-35 jet programme unless it changes course from its plans to install the defences.
In what was Turkey's first direct response to the letter, Cavusoglu said no one can give Turkey ultimatums.
"Turkey will not back down from its decisions with these kinds of letters," he said.
"Turkey bought S-400, it is going to be delivered and stationed in Turkey."
The S-400s are not compatible with NATO's defence systems and Washington says they would compromise its F-35s, which Turkey also plans to buy.
Turkey has proposed that the allies form a working group to asses the impact of the S-400s, but has yet to receive a response from the United States.
Cavusoglu on Thursday repeated Turkey's call for the joint working group, saying experts from both countries should come together to evaluate US concerns.
A day earlier, President Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey had completed the deal with Russia and that the systems will be delivered in July. Russia has said it will begin the delivery of the systems in July.
Erdogan also said that Ankara would challenge its potential removal from the F-35 programme on every platform and hold those who exclude Turkey accountable.
Australian Associated Press
