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The Wall Street Journal reports that Turkey is holding talks to transfer the Russian S-400 air defense system to the United Arab Emirates, in an effort to overcome objections from the United States and pave the way for a return to the F-35 fighter jet program.
According to the American newspaper, the information was confirmed by American and regional officials familiar with the negotiations. The move is considered part of Ankara's efforts to restore full defense cooperation with Washington, relations that deteriorated after the purchase of the Russian system.
In 2019, the US excluded Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet purchase and co-production program after Ankara decided to buy the S-400 system from Russia. Washington argued that the parallel operation of the two systems on Turkish territory could jeopardize the security of American technology.
According to American assessments, the simultaneous presence of the S-400 and the F-35 could allow the Russian system to collect sensitive data on the capabilities of the American aircraft, including its radar signature and other technical characteristics, which could end up in Moscow's hands.
The talks with the UAE come after US President Donald Trump met with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of a NATO summit earlier this month. During the visit, Trump said he was considering lifting restrictions that prevent Turkey from buying F-35 jets, raising Ankara's hopes of returning to the program if a solution is found to the S-400 issue.
Trump has described Erdoğan as an important geopolitical partner, praising his role in diplomatic developments in the Middle East and in efforts to mediate the war between Russia and Ukraine.
For several years, Turkey has sought to simultaneously leverage its status as a NATO member and its relations with Russia to strengthen its position as a mediator in regional and international crises.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates is looking to bolster its air defenses following Iranian drone and missile attacks on Gulf states during this year's conflict. According to the report, purchasing an advanced system like the S-400 would significantly enhance its capabilities to deal with aerial threats.
The White House has not commented on the reports of the negotiations, referring to recent statements by Donald Trump that the US administration is considering the possibility of selling F-35 jets to Turkey. The United Arab Emirates, the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Turkish Foreign Ministry have also not commented on the talks.
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