# Turkey S-400 air defense system status and transfer talks

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-s-400-air-defense-system-status-and-transfer-talks
> Updated: 2026-09-28T18:38:16.000Z. Sources: 46. Developments: 3.

Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler previously confirmed the operational readiness of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems, stating they are being integrated into the national military network to ensure the armed forces are “ready for war at any moment.”

During the 81st UN General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the potential transfer of these systems to a third country. Lavrov indicated that Moscow is open to evaluating proposals, provided the recipient maintains friendly relations with the Russian Federation and guarantees the systems will not be re-transferred. He emphasized that any move requires official Russian consent due to contractual obligations and end-user certificates, specifically noting the need to prevent weapons from reaching conflict zones like Ukraine. Lavrov clarified that Russia has not yet received a formal request from Ankara regarding this matter.

Hakan Fidan confirmed that discussions regarding the possible re-export of the S-400 systems are ongoing, though there is no specific deadline for a conclusion. While speculation has linked potential buyers to the United Arab Emirates, Fidan stated the Turkish government would inform the public once discussions are finalized.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov has since confirmed that the potential transfer of the systems is on the official agenda and that “appropriate contacts are being made.” The S-400 acquisition, originally costing approximately $2.5 billion in 2017, remains a significant point of tension with the United States, which previously led to Turkey’s exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet program. Resolving the status of these systems remains a key factor in Turkey's efforts to rejoin the F-35 program.

## Claims

- Turkey acquired the S-400 systems from Russia in 2017. (disputed by 7 sources)
- Turkey purchased the S-400 systems from Russia in 2019. (disputed by 4 sources)
- Turkey cannot transfer or sell S-400 missile complexes to a third party without Russia's official consent. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Russia is willing to consider transferring S-400 systems to a third country if the recipient provides guarantees that the systems will not be re-transferred. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- A condition for the transfer of S-400 systems is that the recipient country must maintain friendly relations with Russia. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- The S-400 purchase resulted in the United States removing Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Russia has not yet received an official request from Turkey regarding the transfer of S-400 systems to a third party. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated there is no specific deadline for discussions regarding the potential transfer of S-400 systems to a third country. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The United Arab Emirates has been mentioned as a potential destination for the systems. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Kremlin confirmed that contacts are ongoing regarding the potential transfer of S-400 systems from Turkey to another country. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: Russia discusses potential transfer of S-400 systems from Turkey

Russia and Turkey are discussing the potential transfer of S-400 missile systems to a third country, provided Moscow gives official approval and the recipient maintains friendly ties with Russia.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-says-turkey-may-transfer-s-400-systems-with-moscows-approval

### 2026-09-26: Russia considers S-400 transfer from Turkey under strict conditions

Russia is open to the possibility of transferring S-400 missile systems from Turkey to a third country, provided the recipient has friendly ties with Moscow and guarantees against further re-transfer.

29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-turkey-cannot-transfer-s-400-systems-without-consent

### 2026-09-18: Turkey confirms operational readiness of S-400 systems

Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler confirmed that S-400 missile systems and other foreign and domestic weaponry are being integrated to ensure the Turkish Armed Forces remain combat-ready.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-confirms-operational-readiness-of-s-400-systems

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Cite as: Turkey S-400 air defense system status and transfer talks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-s-400-air-defense-system-status-and-transfer-talks