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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