DID Press: Turkey may transfer its Russian-made S-400 air defense systems to a Gulf country in a move reportedly aimed at removing US objections to Ankara’s return to the F-35 fighter jet program, according to media reports.
Abdulkadir Selvi, a columnist for the pro-government Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, said the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are among the possible destinations for the systems. However, he stressed that the reports have not been officially confirmed and that further announcements are awaited.
Turkey was removed from the F-35 Lightning II program by the United States after purchasing Russia’s S-400 Triumf missile systems in 2019, due to concerns in Washington over compatibility and security risks.
The possible transfer of the S-400 systems is being viewed as part of Ankara’s efforts to address defense disputes with Washington and create conditions for renewed cooperation on advanced fighter aircraft.