Turkey seeks to offload Russian S-400 systems to pave way for F-35 purchase

Turkey has initiated talks with Russia in recent weeks to secure approval for transferring its Russian-made S-400 missile systems to another country, according to sources cited by Bloomberg. The move comes just months after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered to return the systems to Russia, an idea that reportedly lacked broad support.

Ankara aims to clear the path for purchasing US-made F-35 fighter jets, which are currently blocked by US legislation due to the presence of the S-400. However, US senators have indicated that even transferring the systems may not resolve security concerns, as they stated this week that such a transfer would not alleviate fears.

The negotiations began ahead of the NATO summit taking place this week in Ankara. US President Donald Trump has hinted that he might soon lift the ban on F-35 sales to Turkey. Previously, Turkey proposed keeping the S-400 but allowing US control over their operation to address worries that data collected by the system could compromise F-35 stealth capabilities. US officials rejected that idea.

Turkish officials say the S-400 is not currently in use, though it remains in Turkey's arsenal. The S-400 issue was also on the agenda during Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's visit to Kazan, Russia, where he met with President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin confirmed discussions on the matter.

US law prohibits any F-35 sales to Turkey as long as it possesses the S-400, citing the Russian system as a threat to the security of American fighter jets.