Acting US Defense Secretary Mark Esper has made clear to Turkey that it will face economic sanctions if it goes ahead with the purchase of a Russian missile defense system, The Associated Press reported.
Esper met with Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on Wednesday during a NATO meeting. Officials say there was no progress in the stand-off between the two allies.
The US has told Turkey that it will not be allowed to buy the F-35 fighter jet if it continues with plans to buy the Russian S-400 system.
A senior defense official traveling with Esper said that message was repeated during what was described as a frank and candid discussion. Turkey has said the S-400 purchase is a done deal.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a private meeting.
