Turkey is examining transferring its Russian-made S-400 air defense systems to a third party or deactivating them entirely, a move aimed at removing U.S. sanctions and clearing the legal-security obstacle to rejoining the F-35 stealth fighter program, according to reports. President Erdogan is leveraging his direct ties with the Trump administration to accelerate the process, despite staunch Israeli opposition over concerns about shifting the regional balance of power.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is leveraging his direct ties with the Trump administration to accelerate the removal of Turkey's Russian-made S-400 air defense systems, either by transferring them to a third party or deactivating them entirely, according to the latest reports. This development comes as Turkey seeks to clear the path to rejoin the F-35 stealth fighter program, a move that has drawn staunch Israeli opposition over concerns about shifting the regional balance of power.
The story has evolved rapidly today. At 10:10 Jerusalem, initial reports indicated Turkey would announce the sale of the S-400 to an unnamed third country. Within minutes, multiple Turkish outlets published conflicting claims: a government-friendly newspaper identified Qatar as the buyer, while another report named the United Arab Emirates. A commentary column questioned the feasibility, noting that no Gulf state operates the S-400 system. By 11:37 Jerusalem, Turkish media, cited by N12, reported that Ankara had already sold the systems to an unnamed Gulf country, lifting U.S. sanctions under CAATSA. The current report adds that deactivation is also under consideration and highlights Erdogan's personal lobbying.
The backdrop to the talks includes a series of diplomatic moves. As The Zioneer reported on July 7, the New York Times reported that Trump was prepared to signal readiness to return Turkey to the F-35 program. Later that day, Trump signaled support for the sale during his visit to Ankara, and Erdogan confirmed that the U.S. had promised five F-35 fighters. Analysts have warned that restoring Turkey's access to the F-35 threatens Israel's air superiority, and Israeli journalist Amit Segal argued that Turkey has not earned trust, citing its continued possession of the S-400, refusal to sanction Russia, and hospitality to Hamas.
Several questions remain open. The identity of the potential third-party recipient of the S-400 is still unconfirmed, with earlier reports divided between Qatar and the UAE. The deactivation option, which would not require a buyer, is a new element. Congressional approval for the F-35 sale to Turkey remains uncertain, and Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have reportedly attempted to derail the deal.
6 developments
- DevelopingTrump leans toward approving F-35 sale to Turkey, praises Erdogan's help
- StrongAnalysis: Trump's renewed push for F-35 sale to Turkey threatens Israel's air supremacy in the Mediterranean
- StrongTrump says he will likely approve F-35 and engine sale to Turkey
- DevelopingAnalysis: Erdogan's window for F-35s is now, deal appears increasingly realistic
Source and signal
- Internal intake