Russia Backs Turkey’s $2.5 Billion S-400 Transfer to UAE as Ankara Seeks F-35 Return
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jul 13
Russia Backs Turkey’s $2.5 Billion S-400 Transfer to UAE as Ankara Seeks F-35 Return
3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jul 13
Summary
Russia said it is in contact with Turkey over the future of Ankara’s unused S-400s, with the UAE emerging as the leading buyer for the two-system, 120-missile package.
The transfer matters because Turkey has never activated the S-400s it received in 2019, and removing them from its territory could help Ankara try to rejoin the U.S. F-35 program.
For Abu Dhabi, the deal would add a Russian long-range layer to an already broad shield that includes THAAD, Patriot PAC-3 and South Korea’s KM-SAM, which was rushed into combat during this year’s Iran war.
A UAE purchase would deepen one of the region’s most diversified air-defense arsenals, also spanning Israeli systems such as Barak and SPYDER, while many Gulf neighbors still rely on narrower Patriot-based coverage.
Is Turkey's S-400 sale a masterstroke to regain F-35s or just offloading a $2.5 billion liability?
Is the UAE building the world's strongest air defense or a network vulnerable to its diverse suppliers?
Turkey’s S-400 Dilemma: The High-Stakes Bid to Trade Russian Missiles for F-35 Reentry and Its Global Geopolitical Fallout
Overview
Turkey is at a turning point as it negotiates the transfer of its Russian-made S-400 air defense systems to a third country, aiming to resolve tensions with NATO allies and regain access to the F-35 fighter jet program. The S-400s, delivered by Russia in 2019, sparked major international repercussions and have remained a source of friction, especially with the United States. Now, Turkey’s efforts to divest from the S-400s involve complex talks with both Russia, the original supplier, and potential recipient countries, reflecting a broader geopolitical chess game that could reshape regional security and Turkey’s role within NATO.