Ankara: Turkey is exploring the possibility of selling its Russian S-400 missile system to a Gulf state as part of its strategy to rejoin the US F-35 fighter jet program. This potential move follows discussions between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his cabinet regarding Turkey’s return to the F-35 program, a prospect hinted at by former US President Donald Trump. The original purchase of the S-400 systems led to US sanctions on Turkey, complicating its defense relations with Western allies.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, sources cited by the Qatari newspaper Middle East Eye indicate that Russia is open to Turkey reselling the S-400 systems to a Gulf state. However, any potential sale would require Moscow to review the terms thoroughly. Another scenario under consideration involves disabling the S-400 systems by dismantling their main components, which would then be stored securely with US coordination. Notably, the S-400 systems have not been activated by Ankara.

An intelligence source from a Middle Eastern country revealed to Euractiv that Moscow’s lack of outright rejection of Ankara’s proposal to abandon the Russian system raises concerns. The Euractiv sources suggest that Russia may seek concessions from Turkey in exchange for permitting the resale. These concessions could include Turkey maintaining its stance against joining Western sanctions on Russia, as well as reducing its defense support to Ukraine.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency