Türkiye criticizes US for behaving “like in cowboy movies”

Russia's S-400 missile defense system. Photo: RIA/Reuters

On August 28, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu affirmed that Türkiye still maintains its intention to purchase two batches of the S-400 surface-to-air missile defense system from Russia, the first of which is expected to be delivered next year.

Calling the purchase of these goods “a necessary thing to do,” Mr. Cavusoglu pointed out that Turkey had previously sought to buy US-made Patriot missile systems, but the US had given no assurances that the deal would be approved by lawmakers.

“We have to protect our airspace. This is what we have to do. They should understand that. Can the US guarantee to sell us Patriots?” the senior Turkish diplomat said at a press conference in Lithuania.

In retaliation for Ankara's refusal to allow the US to exclusively supply military equipment, Washington has stopped delivering F-35 stealth fighters to Türkiye, hoping to use that as leverage to force the country to withdraw from the S-400 purchase contract.

The pressure-driven approach has angered Ankara, deepening tensions between the two NATO allies. Turkish-US relations have deteriorated over the fate of Pastor Andrew Brunson, who was convicted of terrorism and espionage in Turkey during a crackdown following a failed military coup in 2016. Ankara has steadfastly refused to hand over the priest, who faces up to 35 years in prison, to Washington.

Mr. Cavusoglu reminded Washington that Türkiye itself is a supplier of some key components for the F-35 aircraft, and called on the US to abandon its “threatening tone.”

He warned that Türkiye would not hesitate to retaliate if Washington continued to threaten Ankara into compliance.

“If they say they can do whatever they want, like in cowboy movies, they will get a response,” he said.

Cavusoglu has downplayed the political implications of the $2.5 billion deal with Moscow, insisting that the defense contract does not mean Türkiye prioritizes relations with Russia over any other country, including the United States.

“Türkiye can perfectly balance its foreign policy in the region,” he stressed.

Türkiye and the US often “fight verbally” over the upcoming delivery of the S-400 and the consequences Ankara could face if it does not cancel the deal.

Earlier on August 28, US Defense Secretary James Mattis asserted that Washington did not “recommend” the purchase. While he acknowledged that Türkiye had the right to decide whether to buy the complexes from Russia, he argued that they could not be integrated into NATO’s existing infrastructure.

On August 27, Turkish media reported that a US congressional delegation led by Michael Turner arrived in Türkiye in an effort to persuade the country to abandon the S-400 deal in exchange for the transfer of F-35 aircraft.