The S-400 Triumf uses an advanced radar network to track 300 targets up to 600 km away. By integrating the 91N6E Big Bird, 96L6E all-altitude radar, and Nebo-M stealth detection, its 92N6E engagement radar can simultaneously guide 72 missiles.

'Eyes before weapons': How the S-400's radar network works

The S-400 uses multiple missile variants to form an overlapping 400-km air defence shield. Integrating VHF radars, it tracks 300 targets and engages 36 threats simultaneously, making it incredibly difficult to defeat.

'Layered air defence': The surprising reason the S-400 is so difficult to defeat

he S-400 system integrates multiple radar trucks for 360-degree surveillance. It tracks 300 targets and engages 36 threats simultaneously using L-band, S-band, and X-band units.

How the S-400 uses multiple radar trucks to scan the sky at once

The S-400 uses solid rocket fuel for instant readiness and a 9-second response time. Solid propellant gives high thrust to hit 17,000 km/h speeds without complex plumbing.

Why the S-400 uses solid rocket fuel instead of liquid fuel

The S-400 uses the MZKT-7930 8x8 chassis with a 500 hp V12 engine to carry 24-tonne radars. It climbs steep off-road gradients and deploys in five minutes, providing extreme tactical mobility.

Why the S-400 relies on an eight-wheel-drive system

The S-400 uses MZKT-7930 trucks with 1.5-metre tall tyres to carry 24-tonne payloads. These 8x8 wheels ensure off-road traction and 70 km/h speeds.

Why the S-400 tires are nearly as tall as a grown adult

Although official information on the S‑400 air-defence system is limited, Wikipedia notes that it deploys a range of interceptor missiles: the long-range 40N6 (up to 400 km), medium-range 48N6 (up to 250 km), and shorter-range 9M96E/9M96E2 (up to 40–120 km). 

S‑400 missile system: What are the true limits of Russia’s air defence technology?

India will receive the final two squadrons of the S-400 air defense missile systems by 2025, delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as confirmed by Indian Air Force Chief ACM AP Singh.

India to Receive Two More S-400 Air Defence Missile System by 2025

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla&nbsp;said that supplies of the Russian S-400 missile defence system "will continue to happen". Shringla was addressing press after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited New Delhi on Monday (December 6).&nbsp;

Russia has begun deliveries of its long-range S-400 ground-to-air missile defence system to India, which prompted fears of US sanctions. However, the diplomat said, "Supplies have begun this month and will continue to happen."

During the 21st annual India-Russia summit hosted in New Delhi, both the nations signed a record 28 MoUs and agreements across a wide range of sectors including trade, energy, culture, intellectual property accountancy and education.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gift-from-gujarat-pm-narendra-modi-gives-exquisite-agate-bowls-to-russian-president-vladimir-putin-434688">Gift from Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi gives exquisite Agate Bowls to Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>

In a special briefing after the summit meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin, the foreign secretary said there was an "excellent discussion" between the two leaders. He also termed Putin's visit to New Delhi as short but "highly productive".&nbsp;

The agreements included that for a programme of cooperation in the field of defence for the next 10 years from 2021 to 2031.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"There were excellent discussions between the two leaders. This is President Putin second visit out of Russia since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The only visit he has undertaken was the brief visit to Geneva for the Russia-US summit," he said.&nbsp;

"The fact that the Russian president has decided to visit India for the annual summit exceptionally is an indication of the importance he attaches to the bilateral relationship and also his personal rapport," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-perceive-india-as-a-great-power-and-trusted-friend-says-president-putin-to-pm-modi-434635">We perceive India as a great power and trusted friend, says President Putin to PM Modi</a>

Speaking about a&nbsp;"record number 28 MoUs or agreements were concluded during the visit," Shringla said the "agreements were government-to-government and business-to-business, including those involving public sector units".&nbsp;

"The diversity of agreements and MoUs signed today shows the multifaceted nature of our bilateral partnership," he said.&nbsp;

He also said that the&nbsp;fact that President Putin decided to visit India for the annual summit is an indication of the importance he attaches to the bilateral relationship and his personal rapport with PM Modi.&nbsp;

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Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that supplies of the Russian S-400 missile defence system "will continue to happen". Shringla was addressing press after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited New Delhi on Monday (December 6).

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that supplies of the Russian S-400 missile defence system "will continue to happen". Shringla was addressing press after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited New Delhi on Monday (December 6). Russia has begun deliveries of its long-range S-400 ground-to-air missile defence system to India, which prompted fears of US sanctions. However, the diplomat said, "Supplies have begun this month and will continue to happen." During the 21st annual India-Russia summit hosted in New Delhi, both the nations signed a record 28 MoUs and agreements across a wide range of sectors including trade, energy, culture, intellectual property accountancy and education. ALSO READ | Gift from Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi gives exquisite Agate Bowls to Russian President Vladimir Putin In a special briefing after the summit meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin, the foreign secretary said there was an "excellent discussion" between the two leaders. He also termed Putin's visit to New Delhi as short but "highly productive". The agreements included that for a programme of cooperation in the field of defence for the next 10 years from 2021 to 2031. "There were excellent discussions between the two leaders. This is President Putin second visit out of Russia since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The only visit he has undertaken was the brief visit to Geneva for the Russia-US summit," he said. "The fact that the Russian president has decided to visit India for the annual summit exceptionally is an indication of the importance he attaches to the bilateral relationship and also his personal rapport," he added. ALSO READ | We perceive India as a great power and trusted friend, says President Putin to PM Modi Speaking about a "record number 28 MoUs or agreements were concluded during the visit," Shringla said the "agreements were government-to-government and business-to-business, including those involving public sector units". "The diversity of agreements and MoUs signed today shows the multifaceted nature of our bilateral partnership," he said. He also said that the fact that President Putin decided to visit India for the annual summit is an indication of the importance he attaches to the bilateral relationship and his personal rapport with PM Modi. ×

Deliveries of Russian S-400 missile system have begun, will continue to happen: India

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken on Wednesday pressed Turkey's foreign minister over a Russian air defence system and Ankara's withdrawal from a treaty on violence against women.&nbsp;

"Secretary Blinken urged Turkey not to retain the Russian S-400 air defence system," the State Department said, after talks on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Brussels.

Blinken "expressed concern over Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, and emphasised the importance of democratic institutions and respect for human rights".&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Washington has long criticised NATO ally Turkey's purchase of the advanced S-400 air defence system from rival Russia, arguing it threatens the alliance's defences.&nbsp;

Former US leader Donald Trump in December imposed sanctions on Ankara's military procurement agency over the acquisition.

Turkey has also drawn widespread criticism for its decision, announced Saturday, to pull out of the Istanbul Convention, the latest victory for conservatives in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's nationalist party.&nbsp;

The administration of President Joe Biden is still formulating its overall policy on Turkey -- but insists that it sees the country as a key ally.&nbsp;

"It's no secret that we have differences with Turkey," Blinken said at the two-day NATO meeting on Tuesday.

"It's also no secret that Turkey is a long-standing and valued ally, and one that I believe we have a strong interest in keeping anchored to NATO."

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken on Wednesday pressed Turkey's foreign minister over a Russian air defence system and Ankara's withdrawal from a treaty on violence against women.

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken on Wednesday pressed Turkey's foreign minister over a Russian air defence system and Ankara's withdrawal from a treaty on violence against women. "Secretary Blinken urged Turkey not to retain the Russian S-400 air defence system," the State Department said, after talks on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Brussels. Blinken "expressed concern over Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, and emphasised the importance of democratic institutions and respect for human rights". Watch | Washington has long criticised NATO ally Turkey's purchase of the advanced S-400 air defence system from rival Russia, arguing it threatens the alliance's defences. Former US leader Donald Trump in December imposed sanctions on Ankara's military procurement agency over the acquisition. Turkey has also drawn widespread criticism for its decision, announced Saturday, to pull out of the Istanbul Convention, the latest victory for conservatives in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's nationalist party. The administration of President Joe Biden is still formulating its overall policy on Turkey -- but insists that it sees the country as a key ally. "It's no secret that we have differences with Turkey," Blinken said at the two-day NATO meeting on Tuesday. "It's also no secret that Turkey is a long-standing and valued ally, and one that I believe we have a strong interest in keeping anchored to NATO."

Blinken pushes Turkey over Russian missiles

Is Russia distancing itself from China? A report claims that Russia has postponed the delivery of S-400 Missile System to China. It comes weeks after Moscow accused Beijing of spying. What does this mean for India?

Gravitas: Why Russia suspended the delivery of S-400 to China

Turkey purchased S-400 missile defence systems to use them, not put them aside, chief of the Turkish Defence Industry Directorate said on Saturday.

Ismail Demir in an interview with CNN Turk that it was illogical for any country to purchase such systems only to put them aside. He added that the US and Turkey will hold talks to resolve the issue.

"We have allied relations with Russia and the United States. We have to go on and respect the agreements we signed," he said.

The United States has already suspended Turkey from the F-35 programme over the purchase of s-400s and warned that it will impose sanctions if the deal is not scrapped. Turkey began receiving the s-400 systems from July. Washington said that it will not impose sanctions if Turkey doesn't operate the system.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-wonderful-meeting-trump-and-erdogan-fail-to-resolve-conflicts-262004">Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump </a>met in Washington to settle differences which include Syria policy and s-400 purchase. Trump asked Erdogan to drop the deal with Russia but Erdogan later said that the country will purchase <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-out-of-question-to-leave-s-400s-but-would-buy-patriots-too-says-turkish-president-erdogan-262147">US patriot defences </a>in addition to Russia's defence systems.&nbsp;

Erdogan's spokesperson Ibrahim Kalim said on Friday that both countries are working on a "joint mechanism" to ease off tensions over the F-35 programme and S-400 systems.

US has already removed Turkey from the F-35 jet programme under CAATSA that mandates sanctions for any "significant" purchase of weapons from Russia.&nbsp;

"We still believe we can find a middle ground on the S-400 issue, so long as both sides are open," Demir said.&nbsp;

Demir also said that the Turkish personnel will continue to receive training from Russia for s-400s but officials from Russia will not visit Turkey anymore to operate the missile systems.&nbsp;

Russia and Turkey have settled their differences in Syria and working&nbsp;closely to find a solution. Erdogan's spokesperson also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin planned to visit Turkey in the first week of January next year.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Turkey purchased S-400 missile defence systems to use them, not put them aside, chief of the Turkish Defence Industry Directorate said on Saturday. Ismail Demir in an interview with CNN Turk that it was illogical for any country to purchase such systems only to put them aside.

Turkey purchased S-400 missile defence systems to use them, not put them aside, chief of the Turkish Defence Industry Directorate said on Saturday. Ismail Demir in an interview with CNN Turk that it was illogical for any country to purchase such systems only to put them aside. He added that the US and Turkey will hold talks to resolve the issue. "We have allied relations with Russia and the United States. We have to go on and respect the agreements we signed," he said. The United States has already suspended Turkey from the F-35 programme over the purchase of s-400s and warned that it will impose sanctions if the deal is not scrapped. Turkey began receiving the s-400 systems from July. Washington said that it will not impose sanctions if Turkey doesn't operate the system. On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump met in Washington to settle differences which include Syria policy and s-400 purchase. Trump asked Erdogan to drop the deal with Russia but Erdogan later said that the country will purchase US patriot defences in addition to Russia's defence systems. Erdogan's spokesperson Ibrahim Kalim said on Friday that both countries are working on a "joint mechanism" to ease off tensions over the F-35 programme and S-400 systems. US has already removed Turkey from the F-35 jet programme under CAATSA that mandates sanctions for any "significant" purchase of weapons from Russia. "We still believe we can find a middle ground on the S-400 issue, so long as both sides are open," Demir said. Demir also said that the Turkish personnel will continue to receive training from Russia for s-400s but officials from Russia will not visit Turkey anymore to operate the missile systems. Russia and Turkey have settled their differences in Syria and working closely to find a solution. Erdogan's spokesperson also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin planned to visit Turkey in the first week of January next year. (with inputs from agencies)

Turkey bought s-400s from Russia to use them, not to put them aside

India is hopeful it will avoid US sanctions over its purchase of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-should-be-careful-while-acquiring-russias-s-400-triumf-air-defence-missile-cautions-us-congressman--140572">Russia's S-400 missile system</a>, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told.

New Delhi has been "heard and understood" by the US administration over its accord to buy the S-400 missile defence system for $5.2 billion, the minister said in an interview this week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the deal with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-purchase-russias-s-400-air-defence-units-in-multi-billion-dollar-deal-7456">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> in October, defying US warnings of sanctions on countries buying Russian military equipment. The sanctions were part of measures to punish Moscow for its actions in Ukraine in 2014.

President Donald Trump's administration imposed sanctions on China's military last year over Beijing's purchase of the S-400 and other military hardware.&nbsp;

It has also warned NATO member Turkey of sanctions for buying the S-400, and has suspended Turkey's participation in a US jet programme.

Sitharaman told AFP that Washington has taken on board that India, bordering both Pakistan and China, needed arms from Russia, and others, to remain a "strong partner".&nbsp;

Negotiations with Moscow, a longstanding supplier to India's military, on the S-400 began before the US sanctions were introduced, she said.

"In the case of S-400 we have explained ourselves well... That has been heard and understood," Sitharaman said. "They have appreciated the point of view put forward."

Asked if she was confident that India would avoid sanctions, Sitharaman said,&nbsp;"Yes I hope so."

Cold water

Before the deal was inked, Washington poured cold water on India's efforts to obtain a waiver from the US Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Upgrades in arms systems "including the S-400 air and missile defence system" would be a particular focus for CAATSA, a US State Department spokesperson was quoted as saying by India's PTI news agency.&nbsp;

But Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, told a hearing in March that Washington wanted to "work through" the problem, calling India "an important emerging strategic partner."

He added however that India's contract with Russia has not been completed and that the US was "very keen to see (India) make an alternative choice (to the S-400) and we are working with them to provide potential alternatives."

China

Washington is in a tricky position with India. It wants to bolster ties with the Asian giant to counter China's assertiveness, a trend which has also rattled New Delhi.

In 2017 India and China had a military standoff over a Doklam claimed by both Beijing and Bhutan, a close ally of India.

Since then China and India have sought to patch up relations, including at a meeting between Modi and President Xi Jinping at Wuhan, China in April 2018.

"Sometimes there are differences and you have a face-off," Sitharaman said. "But our attempt, particularly after the prime minister's Wuhan meet with the Chinese president, our attempt has been that these differences... cannot be allowed to become disputes."

But China has also made inroads in Sri Lanka and the Maldives -- countries that India considers to be in its sphere of influence -- through its One Belt, One Road Initiative (OBOR), also known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

India has particular concerns about a series of projects passing through Pakistan occupied Kashmir, a disputed territory which was the fuse for a new military flare-up between Pakistan and India in February.

China has also blocked efforts to put on UN sanctions blacklist the leader of a Pakistan-based militant group that claimed a suicide bombing in Kashmir's Pulwama district&nbsp;on February 14 that killed 40 Indian paramilitary troops.

New Delhi has reportedly declined a Chinese invitation to take part in an OBOR forum in China later this month.

"Areas which are ours legally, which are under illegal occupation of Pakistan, are the ones which are becoming part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor," Sitharaman said.

"So having made that position very clear, we have not participated in anything to do with OBOR, and we stick to that position," she said.

India is hopeful it will avoid US sanctions over its purchase of Russia's S-400 missile system, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told. New Delhi has been "heard and understood" by the US administration over its accord to buy the S-400 missile defence system for $5.

India is hopeful it will avoid US sanctions over its purchase of Russia's S-400 missile system, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told. New Delhi has been "heard and understood" by the US administration over its accord to buy the S-400 missile defence system for $5.2 billion, the minister said in an interview this week. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin in October, defying US warnings of sanctions on countries buying Russian military equipment. The sanctions were part of measures to punish Moscow for its actions in Ukraine in 2014. President Donald Trump's administration imposed sanctions on China's military last year over Beijing's purchase of the S-400 and other military hardware. It has also warned NATO member Turkey of sanctions for buying the S-400, and has suspended Turkey's participation in a US jet programme. Sitharaman told AFP that Washington has taken on board that India, bordering both Pakistan and China, needed arms from Russia, and others, to remain a "strong partner". Negotiations with Moscow, a longstanding supplier to India's military, on the S-400 began before the US sanctions were introduced, she said. "In the case of S-400 we have explained ourselves well... That has been heard and understood," Sitharaman said. "They have appreciated the point of view put forward." Asked if she was confident that India would avoid sanctions, Sitharaman said, "Yes I hope so." Cold water Before the deal was inked, Washington poured cold water on India's efforts to obtain a waiver from the US Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Upgrades in arms systems "including the S-400 air and missile defence system" would be a particular focus for CAATSA, a US State Department spokesperson was quoted as saying by India's PTI news agency. But Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, told a hearing in March that Washington wanted to "work through" the problem, calling India "an important emerging strategic partner." He added however that India's contract with Russia has not been completed and that the US was "very keen to see (India) make an alternative choice (to the S-400) and we are working with them to provide potential alternatives." China Washington is in a tricky position with India. It wants to bolster ties with the Asian giant to counter China's assertiveness, a trend which has also rattled New Delhi. In 2017 India and China had a military standoff over a Doklam claimed by both Beijing and Bhutan, a close ally of India. Since then China and India have sought to patch up relations, including at a meeting between Modi and President Xi Jinping at Wuhan, China in April 2018. "Sometimes there are differences and you have a face-off," Sitharaman said. "But our attempt, particularly after the prime minister's Wuhan meet with the Chinese president, our attempt has been that these differences... cannot be allowed to become disputes." But China has also made inroads in Sri Lanka and the Maldives -- countries that India considers to be in its sphere of influence -- through its One Belt, One Road Initiative (OBOR), also known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India has particular concerns about a series of projects passing through Pakistan occupied Kashmir, a disputed territory which was the fuse for a new military flare-up between Pakistan and India in February. China has also blocked efforts to put on UN sanctions blacklist the leader of a Pakistan-based militant group that claimed a suicide bombing in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14 that killed 40 Indian paramilitary troops. New Delhi has reportedly declined a Chinese invitation to take part in an OBOR forum in China later this month. "Areas which are ours legally, which are under illegal occupation of Pakistan, are the ones which are becoming part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor," Sitharaman said. "So having made that position very clear, we have not participated in anything to do with OBOR, and we stick to that position," she said.

'Heard and understood' by US: Nirmala Sitharaman on S-400 missile deal with Russia

The United States said Monday it was halting all deliveries and joint work with Turkey on the F-35 fighter jet program after the NATO ally insisted on a major arms purchase from Russia.

After months of warnings, the United States said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-s-400-missile-defence-system-a-done-deal-turkey-199862">Turkey's decision to buy Russia's S-400 missile system</a> was incompatible with remaining part of the emblematic US warplane program.

"Until they forgo delivery of the S-400, the United States has suspended deliveries and activities associated with the stand-up of Turkey's F-35 operational capability," Pentagon chief spokesman Charles E&nbsp;Summers Jr&nbsp;said.

"Should Turkey procure the S-400, their continued participation in the F-35 program is at risk," he said in a statement.

US officials have voiced concern that, with Turkey in both camps, Russia could obtain F-35 data to improve the accuracy of the S-400 against Western aircraft.

The Pentagon said that it had started to look at secondary sources to produce parts for F-35s that were being developed in Turkey.

"We very much regret the current situation facing our F-35 partnership with Turkey, but the (Defense Department) is taking prudent steps to protect the shared investments made in our critical technology," Summers said.

Turkey had planned to buy 100 F-35A fighter jets, with pilots already training in the United States. The plane's manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, said that contracts with Turkish companies to build parts for the F-35 had been expected to reach $12 billion.

Among the eight Turkish companies involved in the purchase, Ayesas has been building a panoramic cockpit display for the F-35 and Fokker Elmo makes 40 per cent of the electrical wiring and interconnection system, according to Lockheed Martin.

Growing tilt to Russia&nbsp;

The purchase of a Russian system is highly unusual for a member of NATO, the Western alliance forged to counter the Soviet Union.

The US suspension announcement comes two days before foreign ministers from the 29 members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization are due in Washington to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the alliance -- and hours after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP party suffered a surprise rout in elections in major cities including Istanbul.

Erdogan, whose relations with the West have soured sharply as he cracks down on dissent at home, has increasingly looked to Moscow as a partner. Russian tourists have made Turkey their top destination, providing a vital economic boost.

Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov travelled to Turkey, where Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu insisted that the S-400 purchase would go ahead.

"We have an agreement with Russia and we are bound by it," Cavusoglu told reporters.

Hoping to offer an alternative, the United States last year approved the sale of Patriot missiles to Turkey -- a deal to which Ankara said it was open.

Four senators last week proposed legally barring the transfer of F-35s to Turkey if it buys the S-400. One of the senators, Democrat Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, praised the Pentagon suspension and pledged to "continue working in the Senate to prevent this dangerous possibility from becoming a reality."

Rocky ties with US&nbsp;

Turkey's relations with the United States plunged last year when President Donald Trump imposed tariffs, battering Turkey's lira, over the jailing of an American pastor detained as part of a mass roundup following a coup attempt against Erdogan.

The pastor, Andrew Brunson, was freed and Trump appeared to grow fond of Erdogan, speaking to him before his sudden decision to withdrew US troops from Syria.

But tensions quickly resurfaced with the United States fearful that Erdogan will strike US-allied Kurdish fighters in Syria and a Turkish court trying a US consulate staffer, Metin Topuz, on charges of spying.

Topuz, a Turkish citizen, is accused of ties to Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish preacher who lives in self-imposed exile in the United States. Erdogan has repeatedly demanded that the United States extradite Gulen, whom the Turkish leader accuses of fomenting the coup.

The United States said Monday it was halting all deliveries and joint work with Turkey on the F-35 fighter jet program after the NATO ally insisted on a major arms purchase from Russia.

The United States said Monday it was halting all deliveries and joint work with Turkey on the F-35 fighter jet program after the NATO ally insisted on a major arms purchase from Russia. After months of warnings, the United States said that Turkey's decision to buy Russia's S-400 missile system was incompatible with remaining part of the emblematic US warplane program. "Until they forgo delivery of the S-400, the United States has suspended deliveries and activities associated with the stand-up of Turkey's F-35 operational capability," Pentagon chief spokesman Charles E Summers Jr said. "Should Turkey procure the S-400, their continued participation in the F-35 program is at risk," he said in a statement. US officials have voiced concern that, with Turkey in both camps, Russia could obtain F-35 data to improve the accuracy of the S-400 against Western aircraft. The Pentagon said that it had started to look at secondary sources to produce parts for F-35s that were being developed in Turkey. "We very much regret the current situation facing our F-35 partnership with Turkey, but the (Defense Department) is taking prudent steps to protect the shared investments made in our critical technology," Summers said. Turkey had planned to buy 100 F-35A fighter jets, with pilots already training in the United States. The plane's manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, said that contracts with Turkish companies to build parts for the F-35 had been expected to reach $12 billion. Among the eight Turkish companies involved in the purchase, Ayesas has been building a panoramic cockpit display for the F-35 and Fokker Elmo makes 40 per cent of the electrical wiring and interconnection system, according to Lockheed Martin. Growing tilt to Russia The purchase of a Russian system is highly unusual for a member of NATO, the Western alliance forged to counter the Soviet Union. The US suspension announcement comes two days before foreign ministers from the 29 members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization are due in Washington to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the alliance -- and hours after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP party suffered a surprise rout in elections in major cities including Istanbul. Erdogan, whose relations with the West have soured sharply as he cracks down on dissent at home, has increasingly looked to Moscow as a partner. Russian tourists have made Turkey their top destination, providing a vital economic boost. Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov travelled to Turkey, where Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu insisted that the S-400 purchase would go ahead. "We have an agreement with Russia and we are bound by it," Cavusoglu told reporters. Hoping to offer an alternative, the United States last year approved the sale of Patriot missiles to Turkey -- a deal to which Ankara said it was open. Four senators last week proposed legally barring the transfer of F-35s to Turkey if it buys the S-400. One of the senators, Democrat Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, praised the Pentagon suspension and pledged to "continue working in the Senate to prevent this dangerous possibility from becoming a reality." Rocky ties with US Turkey's relations with the United States plunged last year when President Donald Trump imposed tariffs, battering Turkey's lira, over the jailing of an American pastor detained as part of a mass roundup following a coup attempt against Erdogan. The pastor, Andrew Brunson, was freed and Trump appeared to grow fond of Erdogan, speaking to him before his sudden decision to withdrew US troops from Syria. But tensions quickly resurfaced with the United States fearful that Erdogan will strike US-allied Kurdish fighters in Syria and a Turkish court trying a US consulate staffer, Metin Topuz, on charges of spying. Topuz, a Turkish citizen, is accused of ties to Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish preacher who lives in self-imposed exile in the United States. Erdogan has repeatedly demanded that the United States extradite Gulen, whom the Turkish leader accuses of fomenting the coup.

US suspends F-35 program deliveries to Turkey over Russian arms

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