Posted on 09/24/2024 2:50:58 PM PDT by fruser1
Ankara has remained firm in recent years it would keep the Russian-made S-400 "Triumf" air-defense system, even though it meant it was expelled from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Washington and NATO leaders argued the platforms weren't compatible and Turkey's adoption of both would compromise security of the stealth fighter.
Greek-based media reported the U.S. has "submitted a detailed proposal" that could resolve the matter. It would "formally allow" Turkey to keep the S-400, but essentially transfer the control to the United States. The system would be stored at the Incirlik Air Base.
Employing a Russian-made system when the most likely attack would come from Russia seemed like a bad decision, and it forced Turkey out of the F-35 program. In addition to the Turkish Air Force no longer on track to receive the fifth-generation stealth fighter, it also was a costly misstep for the NATO partner.
Turkey had been a part of the supply chain for the F-35 and reportedly paid $1.25 billion to participate. Producing parts was expected to have generated $9 billion in revenue for Ankara, while six F-35 aircraft produced for Turkey were not delivered.
What is notable is the system hadn't been made operational as of last December when Turkish Defense Minister told reporters the S-400 system would only be utilized when needed. It remains unclear exactly what that means, as it is impossible to plan for a surprise attack where the S-400 would be needed!
It remains unclear if Turkey will move forward with the proposal, but such a move probably won't win the approval of the Kremlin, as the U.S. would no doubt have access to the S-400, and perhaps even determine how to counter it.
Yet there is likely little Moscow could do in retaliation.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
I prefer ham on Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
We always had honey-baked ham growing up for those two holidays (and of course, Easter).
Erdogan is focused on Erdogan. He’s milking NATO for all he can. His big goal has always been the re-establishment of the Ottoman Empire, with him in charge of course. His dreams of grandeur are like that of his “brother” Putin whose dreams of the Russian Empire and him as the new Tsar are similar. Erdogan’s big problem is his age, which may prompt him to do something really stupid.
Except Gog will be a captain unto them...
[I would worry more about Iran.]
They will likely be the ones that get the ball rolling, I think.
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