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Ankara is engaged in talks concerning third countries over the future of its Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems, Türkiye's Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler said Tuesday.
Responding to written questions from lawmakers about Türkiye's exclusion from the F-35 program following its purchase of the S-400 system from Russia, and the subsequent resumption of contacts with the U.S. on the matter, Guler said, "In a process continuing with positive momentum in military and political areas with the US, solutions are being sought through mutual understanding and cooperation on matters carried over from the past that also concern third countries. As always, our national defense plans are made precisely and competently, taking into account current and future threat analyses."
The written questions came amid parliamentary debate over discussions regarding the sale of the S-400 system to a third country as a way to remove the obstacle to Türkiye's purchase of F-35 fighter jets.
Guler also emphasized that national defense planning is, as always, carried out precisely and competently, taking current and future threat analyses into account.
Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense stated on July 16 that work related to the S-400 long-range regional air and missile defense systems is continuing "on multiple fronts."
Speaking after the ministry's weekly press briefing at Havelsan, an official told reporters, "Work related to the S-400 long-range regional air and missile defense systems is continuing on multiple fronts. Concrete developments will be shared with the public when they occur."
Russia is in contact with Türkiye over the S-400 air defense systems previously supplied to Ankara, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday, describing the topic as "highly sensitive."
"We have had contacts with the Turkish side on this topic, and we will continue contacts with the Turkish side on this issue," Peskov told reporters, responding to a request to comment on reports in Turkish media that Ankara had resold the Russian S-400 systems to free itself from U.S. sanctions.
Asked whether Ankara had approached Moscow for permission for such a sale, and if so, how Russia had responded, Peskov did not directly answer, saying only that "this topic falls into the category of highly sensitive matters."
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