Ankara has initiated negotiations for the return of Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, acquired almost a decade ago. This move is intended to resolve a long-standing conflict with NATO and pave the way for Turkey to purchase American fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets. This is reported by Bloomberg, writes UNN.
Details
According to sources, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan raised this issue at a meeting with Vladimir Putin last week, although the Kremlin currently denies such a proposal.
The path to lifting sanctions and updating the air fleet
Abandoning Russian technology is a key condition for Washington to lift sanctions on the Turkish defense sector. Erdoğan discussed the S-400 issue and a return to the F-35 program with Donald Trump back in September.
US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack predicts that the problem will be finally resolved within the next 4-6 months, and Turkish diplomats expect the restrictions to be lifted next year.
Geopolitical context and mediation
The decision to buy S-400 at the time was a consequence of strained relations with the Obama administration and the failed coup of 2016. Now Ankara expects that its status as a mediator in the war between Russia and Ukraine will force Moscow to make concessions and agree to the return of the systems. The implementation of this agreement will allow Turkey to resume full-fledged military cooperation with the West and significantly strengthen its own aviation.