Newsletters
Türkiye is pursuing negotiations to return the Russian-made S-400 air defense systems that triggered its expulsion from a major NATO weapons program, according to a Bloomberg report published Wednesday, though Turkish military sources denied any transfer plans just days earlier.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the issue directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Turkmenistan last week, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The discussion followed earlier talks between officials from both countries about the fate of the missile defense systems.
The potential return would mark a dramatic reversal in a defense controversy that has strained Türkiye's relationship with the United States and NATO allies for more than six years. If completed, the move could clear the path for Ankara to rejoin the F-35 stealth fighter program and end U.S. sanctions imposed over the Russian weapons purchase.
The Bloomberg report directly contradicts statements Turkish military sources provided to Türkiye Today on Dec. 9, when they categorically stated that transferring the S-400 systems to another country was "not on the table" under any circumstances. Those sources emphasized that Türkiye was not considering handing over the systems amid circulating speculation.
The denial came after U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack suggested earlier this month that he expects a resolution to the S-400 issue within the next year. Following Barrack's comments, some Indian press reports suggested Türkiye might transfer the systems to India, though no official confirmation emerged from either government.
Turkish officials speaking to Bloomberg indicated that progress on the issue is directly connected to lifting U.S. sanctions and restoring access to F-35 fighter jets. One senior Turkish diplomat told the news agency that Washington is expected to remove sanctions next year, though no timeline for the broader resolution has been publicly confirmed.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that the Friday meeting between Putin and Erdogan ran significantly longer than scheduled, stretching to approximately 90 minutes. Peskov attributed the extended duration to the delicate nature of topics under discussion, telling reporters that leaders addressing highly sensitive issues often lose track of time.
Peskov described Russia-Türkiye relations as developing well across all sectors, though he acknowledged some problems exist. He confirmed the two leaders conducted a detailed exchange of views on Ukraine but did not specify whether the S-400 systems were discussed. The Kremlin has not confirmed receiving any formal request from Ankara to take back the missile defense systems.
The Russian spokesperson revealed that Putin and Erdogan exchanged reciprocal invitations for visits during their encounter, with arrangements to be organized as soon as feasible.
1 min read
Türkiye signed a $2.5 billion agreement with Moscow in 2017 to acquire the S-400 Triumf air defense system after unsuccessful attempts to purchase U.S.-made Patriot missiles. The first components arrived in July 2019, with deliveries completed later that year.
The purchase immediately triggered a crisis in U.S.-Türkiye defense relations. Washington removed Ankara from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program in 2019 and imposed sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. Türkiye had already paid approximately $1.4 billion toward the purchase of 100 F-35 aircraft, funds that have not been returned.
The S-400 issue reportedly featured in discussions between Erdogan and President Donald Trump during a September meeting at the White House. Turkish officials told Bloomberg that Türkiye is also seeking reimbursement for its S-400 payments, with potential options including offsetting the costs against oil and natural gas import bills, though such arrangements would require detailed negotiations.
Set as preferred source
1 min read
