site.btaTurkiye Considering Sale of Russian S-400 Systems as Country Seeks US Sanctions Relief

Following Ankara's request for the lifting of US sanctions and a possible return to the F-35 fighter jet programme, the issue of a potential transfer of the Russian S-400 air defence systems purchased by Turkiye despite Washington's objections has once again come to the fore.

According to the English-language newspaper Hurriyet Daily News, the systems could be sold to an unnamed Gulf country as part of efforts to find a lasting solution to the sanctions imposed by Washington over the purchase.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar have been cited among possible destinations, though no official confirmation has been made.

A report by the London-based independent news website Middle East Eye (MEE) states that Russia views favourably the possibility of selling the S-400 air defence systems to the UAE. It notes that negotiations between the parties have not yet been finalised, but Moscow is not expected to oppose the transfer of the systems to a Gulf country.

At the same time, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was quoted by the pro-government newspaper Hurriyet as saying: "All I can say on this issue is that it is highly sensitive. We are in contact with the Turkish side on this matter and will continue those contacts."

The saga surrounding Turkiye's purchase of the Russian S-400 systems began in 2017, when Washington refused to allow Turkiye to purchase the US-made Patriot air defence systems. Ankara subsequently signed an agreement with Russia for the purchase of the S-400 system. The first components were delivered in 2019.

However, the Russian systems have never been activated and have remained in storage ever since, according to Turkish media reports.

Because of the purchase of the S-400 systems, Washington removed Turkiye from the F-35 fighter jet programme, citing concerns that the Russian system could compromise the aircraft's security. In 2020, the United States imposed sanctions on Turkiye under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

According to diplomatic sources, a lasting solution could be found by removing the S-400 systems from Turkiye, as US legislation links both the CAATSA sanctions and the F-35 restrictions to possession of the systems. Reports also highlight end-user clauses in Turkiye's agreement with Russia that may require Moscow's approval for any transfer, Hürriyet Daily News notes.

Various options for the S-400 systems have been discussed in Turkiye in the past, including returning them to Russia, deploying them in the territory of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is not internationally recognised, or transferring them to another country.

Tensions with Iran have prompted increased interest in acquiring air defence systems among Gulf countries. According to reports, the United Arab Emirates is reassessing its air defence requirements following Iranian attacks targeting US bases in the Gulf region.