Turkey may abandon Russian S-400 air defense systems while negotiating the acquisition of the F-35

Western observers note that the parties are considering an alternative option of moving the S-400 to the US-controlled part of the Incirlik base in southern Turkey. But in this case, the Americans will get access to information about Russian air defense.

Turkey has achieved significant success in negotiations with the United States on the decommissioning of Russian S-400 air defense systems, which may pave the way for Ankara's return to the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet program. After all, in July 2019, Turkey was excluded from this program after it received the first components of the S-400, which caused tension in relations with Washington and NATO. This was reported by Bulgarian Military observers on the 23rd.

It is reported that the US allegedly offered Turkey to keep the S-400 missiles on its territory, but transfer control over them to the American side. One of the discussed options — moving the S-400 to the US-controlled part of the Incirlik base in southern Turkey, which will make it possible to avoid violating the contract with Russia. This move could be a compromise solution for both sides, saving Ankara's face and eliminating a problem for NATO.

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In addition, this situation would greatly increase the likelihood that the S-400 systems could be tested by the US Armed Forces. Such tests will provide valuable information about countering Russia's main air defense capabilities.

“If such an agreement is reached, it will have a profound impact on Turkey's air warfare capabilities,” — the authors of the material emphasized.

Prospects for Turkey's return to the F-35 program

Washington has been using the F-35 program for several years as a lever of pressure on Turkey to force it to abandon the Russian air defense system. Negotiations continue at a high level: in July 2024, US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander and Special Advisor to the President Michael Carpenter discussed with Turkish officials the possibility of restoring Turkey's participation in the F-35 program in exchange for the transfer of control over the S-400.< /p>

If the parties reach an agreement, Turkey will be able to purchase the latest F-35 fighter jets again, which will significantly increase its combat capabilities. It will also strengthen its position in NATO and enable it to more actively support the alliance in strategically important regions such as the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Finally, observers note that despite the difficult negotiations, Ankara and Washington are interested in successful resolution of this issue, which will be discussed at the UN General Assembly in New York at the end of this week.