Russia's official response acknowledges holding discussions with Turkey regarding the reported sale of its S-400 air defense systems to an unnamed Gulf state, according to Abu Ali Express. Moscow described the matter as 'highly sensitive' and said contacts between the sides will continue.
Russia's official response, reported by Abu Ali Express at 13:22 Jerusalem, confirms that Moscow and Ankara held discussions regarding the reported sale of Turkey's S-400 air defense systems to a Gulf state. Moscow described the matter as 'highly sensitive' and said contacts between the sides will continue. The confirmation comes hours after Turkish media first reported the sale.
At 11:59 Jerusalem, Turkish media outlets including Hurriyet reported that Ankara had sold its Russian-made S-400 system to a Gulf state, with one assessment pointing to the UAE as the buyer. The Zioneer's Tamir Mor warned that while the sale could remove the main obstacle to Turkey's re-entry into the F-35 program, concerns remained over Israel's air superiority and technology leakage. Russia's statement now corroborates that discussions took place, but does not confirm a completed sale.
As The Zioneer has reported over recent weeks, the potential transfer of the S-400 systems is part of a broader push by Ankara to return to the F-35 program. A bipartisan group of U.S. House lawmakers urged Secretary of State Rubio and Defense Secretary Hegseth to block the F-35 sale to Turkey, citing the S-400 threat. The Zioneer also reported on Israeli concerns that the sale could erode Israel's regional air superiority and allow technology leakage to Iran, Russia, or China.
The identity of the Gulf buyer remains officially unconfirmed, and it is unclear whether a sale has been finalized or remains under discussion. The status of Turkey's S-400 systems—whether transferred, deactivated, or still in Turkish possession—has not been clarified.
8 developments
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- 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