Türkiye seeks Russian approval to transfer S-400 systems in bid to revive F-35 talks

Türkiye has asked Russia to approve the transfer of its Russian-made S-400 air defence missile systems to a third country, in a move aimed at removing a key obstacle to rejoining the US-led F-35 fighter jet programme, Bloomberg reported on Friday (July 10), citing Turkish officials.

According to the report, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during talks in Kazan in June.

The proposal reportedly envisages relocating the S-400 systems to another country, although the Kremlin has yet to provide an official response.

Ankara purchased the S-400 systems from Russia in 2019 despite strong objections from the United States and NATO allies.

The acquisition prompted Washington to remove Türkiye from the F-35 programme and impose sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), citing concerns that the Russian system could compromise the stealth capabilities of the fifth-generation aircraft.

However, US lawmakers remain sceptical that transferring the S-400 systems to a third country would resolve those concerns. Several senators have argued that the proposal does not adequately address the security issues that led to Türkiye's exclusion from the programme.

The S-400 batteries are currently reported to be in storage and are not deployed on active operational duty, Bloomberg said.

Earlier, the Turkish daily Hürriyet wrote that Türkiye had reportedly sold its Russian-made S-400 air defence systems to a Gulf country, citing columnist Abdulkadir Selvi.

The buyer is believed to be either the United Arab Emirates or Qatar, although neither Ankara nor the potential purchasers have confirmed the deal.

The reported transfer follows US President Donald Trump's announcement that Washington would lift sanctions imposed on Türkiye under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The sanctions were introduced after Ankara acquired the Russian missile defence system in 2019.

According to Selvi, removing the S-400 systems would help Türkiye satisfy key US conditions for lifting sanctions and revive defence cooperation with Washington. He added that the sale could also generate revenue for Ankara while responding to growing Gulf demand for advanced air defence capabilities.

By Aghakazim Guliyev