Turkey has announced that it wants to return the S-400 missile systems it purchased nearly a decade ago to Putin, a decision that would end the most controversial defense deal made by a NATO ally. Erdogan says he wants to improve relations with the US and other NATO allies through this decision, and also hopes to be readmitted to the F-35 aircraft procurement program, reports Bloomberg.
Erdogan conveyed his intention to return the systems during a meeting in Turkmenistan last week, after discussions on the topic had also taken place between lower-ranking officials, according to sources cited by the American publication.
Erdogan announced the purchase of Russian-made S-400 anti-missile defense systems in 2017, during Trump’s first term. At that time, the American government removed Turkey from the F-35 program and imposed sanctions. The Pentagon says that owning such systems is a “security threat” to the alliance.
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