"S-400 will most likely be set to protect Turkey's strategic cities and facilities near Istanbul and Ankara. At the same time, the F-35 aircraft will be stationed at the air base in Malatya. These cities are located far from each other. If the US side proves the existence of a threat, we will make changes to the parameters of the S-400 systems," the minister said, as cited by the Anadolu news agency.
READ MORE: Russia Hails Turkey's Stance on S-400 Systems Despite US Pressure — Kremlin
The statement came in wake of the visit by the Turkish finance minister to Washington, during which the issue was brought up. According to Minister Berat Albayrak, US President Donald Trump demonstrates a reasonable attitude toward Ankara's purchases of Russian S-400.
Earlier, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said that Russian S-400 air defence systems will not be integrated into any active NATO military systems.
The US has repeatedly voiced concern over its NATO ally's deal with Russia, threatening with sanctions. In April, the Pentagon announced that Washington halted deliveries and activities with Turkey on F-35 fighter jet program over Ankara's decision to buy S-400 air defense systems.
Ankara, for its part, has said that the purchasing of military equipment is its sovereign affair and ruled out the possibility of abandoning the deal with Moscow.