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Turkey S-400 air defense system status and transfer talks

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2026-09-29 06:03 UTC → 2026-09-30 14:07 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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~~ 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.

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