Turkish defence minister Hulusi Akar explained to acting US defence secretary Mark Esper that purchase of Russia S-400 missile systems was necessary for Ankara, Trend reports citing Sputnik.
Turkish defence chief also said that the purchase of S-400 does not in any way mean a change of its strategic orientation.
Akar also told Esper that Ankara is still assessing a bid to acquire US Patriot air defence systems. He also said that Turkey still proposing to create a working group on the F-35 issue.