Türkiye allegedly proposes storing Russian S-400’s to rejoin F-35 program
Military vehicles, equipment, and parts of the S-400 air defense system are unloaded from a Russian transport aircraft at Murted military airport in Ankara, Türkiye, on July 12, 2019. (Turkish Ministry via AP)
According to the Turkish daily Cumhuriyet’s report, rumors circulating in Ankara suggest that Türkiye has proposed storing its Russian-made S-400 air defense systems to pave the way for rejoining the F-35 program.
According to insiders, reported by Cumhuriyet, the government is seeking to acquire one fleet F-35A and one fleet F-35B from the United States, while exploring the possibility of resolving the ongoing dispute over the S-400s.
The S-400 air defense systems, purchased from Russia for $2.5 billion, have been a point of contention between Türkiye and the U.S., leading to Ankara’s suspension from the F-35 program. The systems are currently stored in warehouses, awaiting a potential resolution.
Türkiye’s offer: S-400s to be stored under US supervision
In a bid to reenter the F-35 program, Türkiye has allegedly proposed storing the S-400 systems and allowing U.S. oversight. This proposal is seen as an attempt to address Washington’s concerns and reintegrate Türkiye into the F-35 program, from which it was ousted in 2018 following the S-400 purchase.
A senior U.S. official at the American Embassy in Ankara did not deny the reports, stating, “The ball is now in Türkiye’s court. The requirements for Türkiye’s acquisition of the F-35 are well known,” reiterating Washington’s conditions for any potential sale.
U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Jeff Flake also said, “We welcome any progress toward resolving the S-400 matter and are open to renewing discussions on Türkiye’s involvement in the F-35 program.”
Third-party sales: Potential solution or something completely impossible?
Media outlets have speculated that Türkiye might consider selling the S-400s to a third country, such as Pakistan or India, to resolve the standoff. Forbes magazine recently published an article discussing the possibility of Türkiye selling the S-400 systems without antagonizing Russia.
The article referenced former Minister Cavit Caglar, who suggested that both Pakistan and India might be interested in acquiring the unused S-400 systems for various reasons.
Despite these speculations, the Russian S-400s remain a significant obstacle for Türkiye-U.S. relations.
