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Türkiye’s Defense Ministry said Thursday that its Russian-made S-400 air defense systems remain in the country’s arsenal and that Ankara’s position on the issue has not changed, dismissing media reports suggesting otherwise.
“The S-400 air defense systems are in our inventory. There is no change in our position regarding the S-400 issue,” said Defense Ministry sources at a weekly press briefing in Ankara.
The statement came after Turkish columnist Murat Gurgen wrote earlier this month that Türkiye might return or resell the systems purchased from Russia.
Türkiye signed a $2.5 billion deal with Moscow in 2017 after failing to acquire U.S. Patriot missiles.
Deliveries were completed in 2019, with the first components arriving on July 12 that year.
The deal triggered a crisis in U.S.-Türkiye defense ties, leading Washington to remove Ankara from the F-35 fighter jet program and impose CAATSA sanctions.
The ministry also said Ankara is closely monitoring reports that the Greek Cypriot administration procured an Israeli-made air defense system.
“The GCA’s ongoing armament efforts and activities that may undermine peace and stability on the island could have dangerous consequences,” ministry sources said at a weekly briefing.
“Every attempt aimed at disturbing the balance on the island is being closely monitored, and all necessary measures are being taken for the security and peace of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).”
Türkiye intervened militarily in Cyprus in 1974 after a Greek-backed coup, leading to the establishment of the TRNC in 1983.
The island has since remained divided, with repeated UN-led peace efforts failing. Ankara insists it remains the guarantor of the Turkish Cypriot people.
Defense Ministry spokesman Zeki Akturk also condemned Israel’s Sept. 16 ground operation in Gaza, calling it a new phase in a two-year humanitarian tragedy.
“Israel’s attacks targeting the civilian population in Gaza and its provocative actions against neighboring countries are clear indications of its intent to once again drag the Middle East into total instability,” Akturk said.
He urged the international community to act against “systematic oppression, state terrorism, and genocide taking place in Gaza,” adding, “We call upon the international community to take effective and deterrent steps without further delay.”
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