Russia and Turkey discuss S-400 transfer as Ankara seeks return to F-35 program

(Horizon Media / ANKARA) — Russia has confirmed that it is holding talks with Turkey over the future of Ankara’s Russian-made S-400 air-defence systems, amid reports that the equipment could be transferred to an unnamed Gulf country.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the issue as “extremely sensitive,” but said Moscow remained in contact with Ankara. Turkish media reported that a possible resale could help Turkey resolve its long-running defence dispute with the United States.

Turkey was removed from the F-35 fighter jet program after taking delivery of the S-400 system in 2019. Washington argued that operating the Russian system alongside NATO aircraft could expose sensitive information about the F-35’s capabilities. The United States later imposed sanctions on Turkey under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.

The latest developments follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s July 7 announcement that Washington intends to lift the sanctions. Trump also suggested that a decision on Turkey’s possible return to the F-35 program was approaching.

Transferring the S-400 systems could allow the Trump administration to argue that the circumstances behind the sanctions have changed. However, the move would not automatically restore Turkey to the program, as any transfer of F-35 aircraft would still face legal requirements and congressional scrutiny.

The Armenian National Committee of America has urged Congress to maintain the sanctions and block Turkey’s return to the F-35 program. The ANCA has said that supplying Ankara with advanced U.S. aircraft would reward a government that has supported Azerbaijan’s military campaigns against Armenia and Artsakh, threatened neighbouring countries and continued its denial of the Armenian Genocide.

The organization has worked with Hellenic-American groups and supportive members of Congress to oppose the proposed F-35 transfer and other major U.S. defence sales to Turkey.