The Kremlin announced it is discussing the possibility of allowing Turkey to resell a Russian-made missile system to an unspecified third country, according to a report. No further details were provided, and the specific system was not identified.
The Kremlin confirmed Friday that it is discussing the possibility of allowing Turkey to resell a Russian-made missile system to an unspecified third country, a development that comes hours after Turkish media reports claimed Ankara had already sold its S-400 air defense system to a Gulf state. The Kremlin's statement, made at 13:23 Jerusalem, does not identify the system, but the timing aligns with widespread reports that Turkey is seeking to resolve the status of its S-400 batteries to clear the way for re-entry into the F-35 program.
Earlier today, at 11:59 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that Turkish media including Hurriyet claimed Turkey had sold its S-400 system to a Gulf state, with one assessment pointing to the UAE as the buyer. Analyst Tamir Mor warned that while the sale could lift the main obstacle to Turkey's return to the F-35 program, concerns remain over Israel's air superiority and the risk of technology leakage to Iran, Russia, or China. The Kremlin's statement now provides official Russian acknowledgment of ongoing discussions, though it stops short of confirming a sale.
The development unfolds against the backdrop of weeks of signals from the Trump administration indicating a willingness to approve F-35 sales to Turkey, pending legal review. As The Zioneer reported on Thursday, Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. may sell F-35s to Turkey but needs further legal review. On Wednesday, President Trump said he leaned toward approving the sale. Israeli security officials have pressed Prime Minister Netanyahu to urgently speak with Trump over the potential erosion of Israel's qualitative military edge.
What remains open: The Kremlin's statement does not specify which missile system is under discussion, nor does it identify the potential buyer. While Turkish media reports named the UAE as the likely buyer, this has not been officially confirmed by any party. The talks are described as "discussions," leaving the timeline and outcome uncertain. The legal and technical hurdles for a resale of Russian-made systems to a third country, including U.S. sanctions and export controls, remain unclear.
8 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
- DevelopingTrump leans toward approving F-35 sale to Turkey, praises Erdogan's help
- DevelopingUS House lawmakers urge Rubio and Hegseth to block F-35 sale to Turkey over S-400 concerns
Source and signal
- Internal intake