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Türkiye Considers Returning Russian S-400s in Bid to Rejoin US F-35 Program
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Türkiye is looking to return the S-400 air defense systems it purchased from Russia nearly a decade ago, a move that could pave the way for Türkiye to rejoin the US F-35 jet program and improve its strained relationship with the US and NATO allies, according to a Bloomberg report on December 17.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the issue with Russian leader Vladimir Putin during a meeting in Turkmenistan, following earlier discussions between officials.
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Although the Kremlin denied any request was made, the talks signal a shift in Türkiye’s defense strategy. Erdogan’s push comes amid increasing pressure from Washington to abandon the Russian-made S-400s, which led to US sanctions and Türkiye’s removal from the F-35 program in 2019.
The S-400 deal, made after a breakdown in relations between Turkey and NATO allies, has long been a point of contention, with NATO arguing that the system could jeopardize the security of alliance aircraft. Erdogan, who has balanced ties with both Moscow and the West, now seeks to resolve the issue, Bloomberg wrote.
The return of the S-400s would also give Turkey leverage to negotiate a refund, potentially through adjustments to its oil and gas import bills from Russia. Such a move could ease tensions with NATO and open the door for Turkey to purchase the US-made F-35 fighter jets, which remain an important part of its defense needs.
Previously, it was reported that Turkey was preparing to significantly reduce its dependence on Russian gas. By the end of 2028, the country is expected to cover more than half of its energy needs through increased domestic production and rising imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States.
The shift could deprive Russia of one of its last major energy markets in Europe, Reuetrs reported.
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