US envoy signals breakthrough in Türkiye–US defence ties

U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack has said he expects progress soon on the long-running dispute over Ankara’s Russian-made S-400 air defence system, while suggesting broader improvements in strained defence relations between the two NATO allies.

Speaking on Türkiye’s defence procurement decisions, Barrack referred to Ankara’s purchase of the S-400 system from Russia following the 2016 coup attempt, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

"The question on S-400s… For those of you don’t know, Türkiye, after the coup, bought a Russian defense system," he said.

"There was a variance in opinion—were we not willing to sell them Patriots, or could they not buy Patriots, but they bought an S-400 system," he said, noting that Türkiye was at the time a major NATO contributor and had also been involved in the F-35 fighter jet programme.

"They wanted to contribute to the F-35 jet program and, as a matter of fact, were a partner in manufacturing fuselages. When they bought the S-400, Congress then imposed sanctions," he noted. 

Barrack criticised the effectiveness of sanctions in general, arguing they often fail to achieve their intended outcomes.

"Sanctions… in my humble opinion… they don’t work. The sanctioned country becomes so smart, so ingenious, they figure out ways around them," he said. "They went off the F-35 system."

He added that discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have helped reset aspects of the relationship.

"President Trump and President Erdogan… sat down. Halkbank is now fine. F-16s — renegotiating again. The alliance… is being rebuilt," he added. 

Barrack also expressed optimism that the S-400 issue could soon be resolved.

"I think you’re going to see this S-400 situation solved soon," Barrack noted. 

He further suggested that Türkiye’s potential reintegration into the F-35 programme remains under discussion, while noting that Greece, another NATO member, already operates advanced systems.

"From my boss’s point of view, acceptance into an F-35 program is fine. Greece has S-300s and F-35s. So, that the the Greece-Türkiye issue is you know, another historic issue."

Barrack ended his remarks on a lighter note, adding: "I won't even attempt to get there because they'll forbid me to ever go to Mykonos again."

By Sabina Mammadli