The Kremlin said Friday that Russia and Turkey held talks on a possible resale of the S-400 air defense systems currently in Ankara's inventory, according to a report. The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about Turkey potentially transferring or deactivating its S-400s to clear the way for a return to the F-35 program.
The Kremlin confirmed Friday afternoon at 14:15 Jerusalem that talks with Turkey have included the possibility of reselling the S-400 air defense systems currently in Ankara's inventory. The statement, which explicitly names the S-400 systems, is the latest in a series of Russian acknowledgments today, following earlier confirmations of discussions on the matter.
Earlier today, at 11:59 Jerusalem, Turkish media reported that Ankara had sold its S-400 system to an unnamed Gulf state — with one assessment suggesting the UAE as the buyer — and The Zioneer's Tamir Mor warned of risks to Israel's air superiority and potential technology leakage to Iran, Russia, or China. Within the same hour, Russia confirmed it held 'highly sensitive' discussions with Turkey regarding the reported sale, and later clarified that the talks involve a potential resale of the S-400 systems. The sequence of Russian statements evolved from acknowledging 'sensitive contacts' to specifying the possibility of a resale, and then to expressing Turkey's displeasure over the sale. The newest Kremlin statement, at 14:15 Jerusalem, now explicitly mentions the resale of the S-400 systems in Ankara's inventory.
As The Zioneer reported on Friday July 10, 2026, at 10:12 Jerusalem, Turkey is examining the transfer or deactivation of its S-400 systems to remove the primary obstacle to rejoining the F-35 stealth fighter program, with President Erdogan leveraging his direct ties with the Trump administration. The Zioneer also reported on July 9, 2026, at 23:32 Jerusalem that Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump discussed the potential F-35 sale to Turkey in their latest call.
The specific buyer and the terms of any potential resale remain unconfirmed. It is also unclear whether a resale arrangement would satisfy the U.S. sanctions under CAATSA and allow Turkey's full re-entry into the F-35 program.
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