US Senator Advises US to Buy Russian S-400 Missile System from Turkey

WASHINGTON – Senate member United States of America (US) from the Republican Party, John Thune, proposed a law that allowed Washington to buy a missile defense system S-400 Russia from Turkey.

The proposal was hailed as a clever tactic, namely exploiting Moscow’s advanced missile system technology while removing it from Ankara.

This Russian-made defense weapon has sparked a dispute between Washington and Ankara after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government determined to buy it from Moscow despite opposition from America.

America from the very beginning opposed the Erdogan government’s acquisition of Russia’s sophisticated missile system on the grounds it could jeopardize US F-35 stealth jet fighters, including opening opportunities for Moscow to learn the secrets of the jet fighter’s weaknesses. Another reason, the Moscow S-400 is not compatible with NATO’s defense system. (Read: India Clashes with China, Russia Speeds Up S-400 Shipping to New Delhi)

However, Erdogan’s government was determined to buy it and made President Donald Trump’s government expel Ankara from membership of the consortium program along with the F-35 stealth fighter jet. In fact, Washington has suspended delivery of fighter jets that Turkey has bought.

Senator Thune is considering amending the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2021 that could allow Washington to buy Russian dangerous military equipment through the US Army’s procurement budget.

“The required amount may be permitted to be used by the Army in ‘Missile Procurement, Army“for the purchase of the S-400 missile defense system,” reads the draft NDAA 2021 proposed by Thune.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch has introduced a tougher draft amendment that would make the Donald Trump administration impose sanctions on Turkey under the Law Against American Enemy Through Sanctions (CAATSA), 30 days after the 2021 NDAA amendment was passed .

Jim Townsend, a former Pentagon official for European and NATO Policy, praised Sen. Thune’s proposal. According to him, the proposal was a smart tactic, which could exploit Russian S-400 technology while removing the missile system from Turkey.

“I think the US buying S-400 from Turkey is a clever way to get Erdogan out of his deadlock,” Townsend said.

“We just want to get the (S-400) system out of Turkey … and if that allows the Turks to take part in the F-35 then everything will be better,” he said, as quoted. Defense News, Tuesday (6/30/2020). (Also read: Regarding the Kivlan Zein Case, Attorney General: Honestly, I’ve Helped)

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