Turkey Maintains S-400 Fleet While Negotiating F-35 Program Return With United States

Washington asserts that the S-400 systems pose a significant threat to its F-35 fighter jets.

Turkey and the United States are currently engaged in discussions regarding US sanctions and the obstacles preventing Ankara from rejoining the F-35 jet program, however, the Turkish defense ministry confirmed on Friday that there has been no change in its possession of Russian S-400 air defense systems.

The NATO allies have experienced tension since 2020 when Washington removed Ankara from Lockheed Martin's fighter jet program and imposed sanctions following Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 systems, which the US considers a security threat.

Turkey maintains that this action was unjustified. Both nations have expressed hope that the CAATSA sanctions and US laws can be overcome during US President Donald Trump's second term, allowing Turkey to both purchase the jets and return to the manufacturing program.

US Ambassador to Ankara Tom Barrack stated on Wednesday that discussions on the matter are ongoing, but emphasized that US law would not permit Turkey to operate or possess the S-400 system if it wishes to return to the F-35 program.

Addressing Barrack's comments during a press briefing, the Turkish defense ministry stated: "There have been no new developments regarding the S-400 air defence systems, which has been put on the agenda in recent days."

Turkey's diplomatic discussions with the US continue "on lifting sanctions and obstacles to the F-35 procurement and re-admitting our country to the program," the ministry added.

"Addressing the process regarding the F-35 project within the spirit of alliance, through mutual dialogue and constructive consultation, will contribute positively to bilateral relations," the ministry further noted.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told Reuters last week that he believed Turkey and the US would find a way to remove American sanctions "very soon".

Washington continues to maintain that the S-400 systems pose a threat to its F-35 fighter jets and to NATO's broader defense systems. Turkey rejects these claims and insists that the S-400s will not be integrated into NATO.