Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia and Turkey are holding consultations on the future of Ankara's S-400 air defense systems, including the possibility of a resale or transfer to a third country. Peskov described the discussions as 'extremely sensitive.' The talks follow reports that Turkey is seeking to clear the main obstacle to rejoining the U.S. F-35 stealth fighter program.
The Kremlin confirmed on Friday afternoon that it is holding consultations with Turkey on the future of the S-400 air defense systems, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov describing the issue as 'extremely sensitive.' The confirmation, which came shortly after 15:00 Jerusalem, is the latest in a rapid series of developments on Friday as Ankara seeks to resolve the S-400 obstacle to rejoining the U.S. F-35 program.
The Zioneer has been tracking the story throughout the day. At 10:12 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that Turkey was examining transferring or deactivating its S-400 systems, with President Erdogan leveraging his ties with the Trump administration. By 11:42, a bulletin reaffirmed that Erdogan was accelerating the process despite Israeli opposition. At 11:59 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported a series of developments: initial reports from Turkish media of a sale to a Gulf state, an analyst warning about risks to Israel's air superiority, and multiple Kremlin confirmations that talks were underway, each described as 'sensitive' or 'highly sensitive.' At 14:35 Jerusalem, Bloomberg reported that Ankara was formally seeking Moscow's consent to transfer the systems to a third country, a move aimed at clearing the path for F-35 re-entry. The Kremlin's confirmation this afternoon, in which Peskov explicitly addressed the possibility of a resale or transfer, represents the most authoritative acknowledgment of the ongoing consultations.
The F-35 issue has been a point of contention since 2019, when Washington removed Turkey from the program after it acquired the S-400, citing risks to the stealth fighter's security. As The Zioneer reported on July 7, Trump signaled readiness to return Turkey to the program and later confirmed support for the sale during a visit to Ankara. On June 25, an analysis by The Zioneer warned that Trump's push for the F-35 sale to Turkey threatens Israel's air supremacy. Israeli officials have expressed alarm, and congressional approval remains uncertain despite Trump's signals.
The outcome of the Kremlin consultations remains unclear. Peskov did not provide a timeline or indicate whether Russia is willing to agree to the transfer. Additionally, even if Russia consents, the transfer or deactivation of the S-400s would need to satisfy U.S. concerns, and congressional approval for the F-35 sale is not guaranteed.
9 developments
- StrongErdogan Leverages Trump Ties as Turkey Examines S-400 Transfer or Deactivation for F-35 Return
- DevelopingSegal: Turkey has not earned trust — F-35 sale to Erdogan endangers Israel's security
- DevelopingUS House lawmakers urge Rubio and Hegseth to block F-35 sale to Turkey over S-400 concerns
- StrongSecurity officials press Netanyahu to urgently speak with Trump over F-35 sale to Turkey
Source and signal
- Internal intake