Turkey has denied speculation that it is ready to leave the Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems in storage against the cancellation of the American ban on the delivery of fifth-generation F-35 fighters, reported “Daily Sabah”, BTA reported.
Information in this sense appeared in the newspaper “Jumhuriet“. According to a publication there, Turkey offered Washington to leave the Russian systems “in the boxes” and adopt a mechanism of inspections. Official representatives yesterday refuted these claims and emphasized that Turkey needs the Russian systems for its air defense and that there is no change in Ankara's position on the matter.
„Our country's air defense needs remain. In this context, the S-400 anti-aircraft system remains in service with the Turkish armed forces, sources from the Turkish Ministry of Defense told Anadolu Agency yesterday.
Turkey was sanctioned by the US and removed from the fighter jet production program in 2019 because of the purchase of the Russian missile systems. Since then, Turkey has moved toward purchasing 40 F-16 Block-70 fighters and 79 upgrade kits. This deal was approved earlier this year after Turkey gave the green light for Sweden to join NATO.
When asked if Turkey wanted to return to the F-35 program, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said earlier this month that talks between Ankara and Washington on the subject were continuing. In turn, Deputy US Secretary of State Victoria Newland said Washington was open to readmitting Turkey to the program if the S-400 issue was resolved. Ankara wanted to buy 100 F-35 fighters, and Turkish companies produced about 900 elements for the fighters.