Erdogan offers Putin to take away S-400 systems to improve relations with the US
Turkey is trying to negotiate with Russia to return the S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems that Ankara purchased almost a decade ago. Such a move could put an end to one of the most high-profile defence conflicts within NATO and significantly improve Turkey's relations with the United States. It is reported by The Public with reference to Bloomberg.
According to Bloomberg, citing knowledgeable sources, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed this issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting in Turkmenistan. The Kremlin officially denied that such a request had been made, while Ankara refrained from commenting.
The return of the C 400 could pave the way for Turkey to lift US sanctions against its defence industry and regain access to the F 35 fighter jet programme, from which the country was excluded in 2019. According to Bloomberg, the Turkish side also expects to receive compensation for the billions of dollars spent or to credit this amount against payment for Russian oil and gas imports.
Turkey purchased the S 400 during a period of tense relations with NATO allies, particularly after the 2016 coup attempt. The United States and the Alliance have repeatedly stated that the use of Russian systems alongside Western aircraft poses a risk of sensitive information leakage. Currently, Ankara does not operate these systems.
According to sources, the diplomatic benefits of giving up the S 400 could far outweigh their cost. One F 35 fighter costs more than $100 million, and the programme is considered key to the modernisation of the Turkish Air Force.
Turkey remains the second largest army in NATO after the United States and continues to balance between the West and Russia, while supplying weapons to Ukraine and limiting Russian military activity in the Black Sea.
