Written question asked by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 May 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 May 2019 (named day). It was answered by Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton (Conservative) on Monday, 20 May 2019 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Turkey: Guided Weapons

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what representations she has made to the Government of Turkey on its potential acquisition of a Russian S-400 missile.

Answer: My right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary has not yet had the opportunity to speak with her Turkish counterpart, but we have repeatedly raised our concerns about the proposed Turkish purchase of the Russian S-400 air and missile defence system, at Ministerial and official level. Turkey is a valued NATO ally, on the front line of some of the UK and the Alliance's most difficult security challenges. Defence equipment procurement decisions are for nations, but all NATO Allies have committed to reducing their dependence on Russian-sourced military equipment. The proposed purchase would pose real challenges for the interoperability of NATO systems.

Secondary information