Despite US pressure, Russia continues to deliver S-400 parts to Turkey

ANKARA, Turkey — The Turkish defense ministry says two more Russian cargo planes have landed at an airfield near the capital, Ankara, as Russia continues to deliver parts of its S-400 missile defense system to Turkey in defiance of US objections.

The ministry says on Twitter the two planes arrived at Murted Air Base on Monday, bringing Russian-made components for the fourth day running. They are the eighth and ninth planes to land at Murted since Friday.

The United States has repeatedly warned Turkey that it will impose sanctions on the NATO-member country and exclude it from the F-35 stealth fighter jet program if Ankara does not drop its S-400 purchase.

Turkey has refused to bow to US pressure, saying its defense purchases are a matter of national sovereignty.

— AP