In a conference held in Abu Dhabi, the U.S. ambassador to Turkiye, Tom Barrack, stated that Ankara is moving toward eliminating its Russian-made S-400 air defense systems. The official affirmed that Turkiye had resolved the system’s operational issues, although he emphasized that its mere possession continues to be a point of conflict for Washington.
“I believe these issues will be resolved in the next four to six months,” Barrack declared. When asked whether Turkiye is preparing to get rid of the system, he replied: “Yes.”
The S-400 dispute and the return to the F-35
The acquisition of the S-400 nearly a decade ago led to Turkiye’s exclusion from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program in 2019. The U.S. also imposed sanctions on Turkish defense companies under the CAATSA law. Washington argued that the Russian system could compromise the F-35’s stealth capabilities, while Ankara maintained that the S-400s would not be integrated into NATO’s architecture.
Despite its removal from the program, Turkiye had paid approximately USD 1.4 billion for the purchase of 100 F-35 units, funds that were not reimbursed by the U.S.
In September of this year, U.S. President Donald Trump stated after meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan that Turkiye might be open to resuming the purchase of F-35s and said that Erdoğan “would do something for the United States,” without providing additional details.
Attempts to restore relations within NATO
The U.S. and Turkiye have two of the largest armed forces in NATO. Resolving the dispute over the S-400 and the F-35 is seen as a step toward reducing tensions within the alliance. Ankara, for its part, seeks to balance its relationship with Russia, a key supplier of gas and oil, which adds complexity to the diplomatic process.
In recent years, various Turkish political actors have publicly expressed the need to abandon the S-400s to normalize relations with Washington. Former Minister of State Cavit Caglar stated: “If I were in charge, I would withdraw the S-400s from Turkiye (…) We need to find a way out. We have good relations with Russia; the best way forward is to negotiate and explain that, as a NATO member, we cannot use the S-400s against NATO. We need to address this issue quickly.”
Background of negotiations and gestures of rapprochement
In mid-2024, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler indicated that there was a shift in the U.S. position following progress in the domestic fifth-generation fighter program, KAAN. In the National Assembly, he said: “We already have six F-35s there (…) Now that they have seen our progress with KAAN, their stance seems to be changing. They are indicating they might be willing to deliver them. We have officially resubmitted our offer to buy the F-35.”
Turkiye had originally planned to purchase one hundred F-35A units and participated in the program as an industrial partner, with ten local companies involved. In 2018, the first F-35 destined for the country made its maiden flight in Texas. The suspension of the contract, following the acquisition of the S-400s, prevented the delivery of the aircraft already paid for.
Statements on other diplomatic fronts
In his dialogue with Bloomberg, Barrack also referred to tensions between Turkiye and Israel. He considered that the exchanged statements between Erdoğan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are “just rhetoric” and expressed confidence that “Turkiye and Israel will find their relationship at some point.”
However, the two governments maintain strong disagreements over the situation in Gaza. Since October 2023, Erdogan has repeatedly accused Israel of committing “a complete genocide,” while Netanyahu has publicly criticized Turkiye’s stance. According to data released by the Gaza government’s press office, more than 70,000 people have been killed and around 171,000 injured since the start of the conflict.
A possible shift in Turkiye’s defense policy
Recent statements from U.S. and Turkish officials point to a scenario in which Ankara could relinquish the S-400s as a condition for reentering the F-35 program. If this step is confirmed, it would mark a significant change in Turkiye’s defense acquisition policy and open the door to rebuilding one of the most strategically relevant relationships within NATO.
Images for illustrative purposes.
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That would be a step backwards.
F35 is a flying joke. Not fast, not agile and not very stealthy.
It’s sensor suite is rapidly becoming adequate as everyone else catches up.
There’s a reason they call it the flying piano.
But s400 can shoot it down which is probably going to be necessary when NATO collapses.
how are you so sure that f35 is junk? Israeli forces using f35 to destroy Iranian military targets. you are Chinese or russian bot by any chance?
The israeli f35 is deferent by far,
The f35 has israeli equipment ejustmets that makes all the difference.
Thats whay US has no problem to sell the turks.
Its like another airplane
If it is so good, why have the IAF chosen to buy the Rafale instead of the F-35?
It is far too expensive to buy & operate, too complicated with too many things to go wrong and ground the plane which is why it has such a poor mission availability record. When you buy such a plane, you expect it to be combat ready in all weather. Its stealth reputation is more likely due to it being broken down on the ground than being undetectable when in the skies. If you read the news, you will know that one of the UK’s carrier based F-35s had to make an emergency landing in Kerala and was stranded there for several weeks. It couldn’t be fixed to enable it to return to its carrier and had to be recovered in a transport plane. The IAF made the correct decision to give it a wide berth.
India’s relationship with the United States prevents it from purchasing American F-35s. If you knew that British software is the only one that has been rewritten independently, would you still say that?
Propaganda from Both Russia and China always promoting “These amazing planes”, trying to catch up to USA’s 25yr old planes. They still cant touch the F-22. Disregard the F-35, the F-47 is gonna keep them busy. China’s new bomber that is suppose to compete with the B-2 bomber, news flash, USA introduced the new B-21 Raider.
The problem is they are too busy trying to compete with USA that they produce things fast, skipping the most important step “Trial & Error”. So basically there planes are junk. India and pakistan said they were trash.
The sick man of Europe is forever confused. Always manipulated by other powers when he has the capability to be Eurasian world power himself. Sober up Türkiye and take your global role!!
You think They can take out China, Russia, India, Japan to one day be the the super power only on that side of the world? Not of the whole world because i think those are some rough obsticles, USA would be alot to handle.
“ The sick man of Europe” 🤔 lmao … no one can touch the Turks… what rubbish are you on about?