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Turkey has provoked trouble by purchasing the Russian S-400 air defense system. Now Ankara is trying to get rid of it. But it is complicated.
Ankara – Turkey wants to get rid of its Russian S-400 air defense system. According to a report by Republic Ankara made a proposal to the US government in this regard: “Let us pack the S-400s in the boxes and you will have control over them,” was the offer to Washington, the paper writes. In return, Turkey wants several F-35s from the USA. “A high-ranking official at the US embassy in Ankara, who was Republic contacted, did not deny the allegations and said: The ball is now in Turkey’s court,” writes the Republic The purchase of the S-400 air defense system led to a crisis with the USA. In 2018, the USA imposed sanctions on Turkey and suspended Ankara from the F-35 program. The country had previously been involved in the development of the fighter jet.
Russia does not agree to control Turkish S-400
However, Moscow would have problems if the S-400s were packed in warehouses in Turkey and controlled by the USA, believes Moscow political scientist Dr. Kerim Has in an interview with Fr.de von IPPEN.MEDIA“I think it is impossible for Turkey to hand over control of the S-400 systems to the USA. That would anger Russia very much. After all, Turkey is also dependent on Russia. Ankara gets a large proportion of its natural gas from Russia.”
Can Türkiye resell S-400 to India?
But here there could be an alternative that would save face for both sides. “On the other hand, there is an interim solution. “Russia is already selling S-400 systems to India. With Russia’s consent, Turkey could sell its S-400 systems to India and get its money back. In addition, both sides would then be able to save face,” said Has. According to the scientist, Russia itself needs S-400 systems because of the war in Ukraine and therefore does not need to supply additional systems to India.
A US Air Force F-35 fighter jet takes off from the US Air Base Spangdahlem during the Air Force exercise “Air Defender 2023”. © dpa/Boris Roessler
Ankara does not deny report on S-400
Security expert Özge Kilinc sees it similarly. “I think it is difficult for Turkey to hand over the S-400 system to the control of the USA. That would probably also be a breach of contract, because it states who is allowed to use the missiles – and it is not the USA,” said Kilinc in an interview with our editorial team. However, Kilinc points out that the report from Cumhuriyet has not yet been denied by the Turkish government.
USA disagrees about “pseudo-control”
But the USA is also unlikely to agree to control the warehouses in Turkey where the S-400 systems are stored. “The USA does not want unrealistic pseudo-control over a hangar where the S400 systems are stored, because that would not be a permanent guarantee, since Turkey is allowed to buy the F-35 fighter jets,” says Kilinc. The USA has a tactical interest in ensuring that the two opposing systems, F-35 and S-400, are not available in the same hands and on the same soil.”
The situation therefore remains complicated. “Turkey has done itself no favors by purchasing the S-400 system. It is not allowed to use it, and it cannot return it and get its money back. It is also not allowed to sell the S-400 missiles to third parties – unless Russia gives its consent,” said Kilinc.
Turkish Air Force urgently needs modernization
The Turkish Air Force is considered outdated. After being kicked out of the F-35 program, the USA refused to sell Turkey modern F-16s for years. Only after Turkey agreed to Finland and Sweden joining NATO did Washington give the green light to buy F-16s. Nevertheless, its neighbour Greece is getting F-35 fighter jets as well as modern French Rafale fighter jets, which are superior to the F-16. This gives it a clear advantage in the air over Turkey. Serbia also concluded a deal with France today and is also getting Rafale fighter jets. (erpe)
