Turkey moves to swap S‑400 missiles for return of blocked F‑35 jets

Turkey’s participation in the U.S. F‑35 program has been frozen since Ankara bought Russian S‑400 air‑defence systems in 2019, triggering U.S. CAATSA and NDAA restrictions that barred further deliveries. Six F‑35A aircraft paid for by Turkey remain stored in the United States, scheduled for delivery in 2026 if the block is lifted. Turkish officials have signalled that transferring the S‑400 batteries to a Gulf partner, most likely the United Arab Emirates, could satisfy Washington’s demand for the complete removal of the Russian system from Turkish soil. U.S. Representative Mike Turner told CBS’s “Face the Nation” that Turkey has signaled readiness to comply and expressed optimism about a reversal, while other U.S. lawmakers remain skeptical. Russian authorities have reportedly given tentative approval for a re‑sale, and media reports cite ongoing secret talks between Ankara and Moscow on the deal. The prospective sale, valued at roughly $2.5 billion, would include two S‑400 units and up to 120 missiles. Analysts note that the move would alleviate Turkey’s diplomatic isolation, enable the release of the six stored jets, and reshape the regional military balance, but it also raises intelligence concerns about technology leakage. Greece’s political discourse has linked the issue to domestic election battles, underscoring the broader strategic stakes for NATO’s eastern and southern flanks.