The Kremlin confirmed on Wednesday that Moscow and Ankara are in discussions regarding the possible transfer of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft defense systems owned by Turkey to a third country. According to Moscow, the state that is to receive the systems must be a “responsible” one and have friendly relations with Russia.
“It’s a topic on the agenda. Appropriate efforts and contacts are underway,” said the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, asked about the possibility of transferring the S-400 systems to another country.
The statement comes after the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, asserted on Saturday that Moscow could approve such an operation, but only under certain conditions.
Turkey acquired the S-400 systems from Russia in 2017, during a period when relations between Ankara and Washington were strained. The systems have not been used in military operations, being activated only for testing, according to reports by AFP and Agerpres.
The acquisition had significant consequences on Turkey’s relationship with the United States. In 2019, Ankara was excluded from the American F-35 fighter jet program, and the following year Washington imposed sanctions against Turkey. Also, the dispute affected Ankara’s access to certain American components, including the F110 engines intended for the Turkish fighter jet KAAN.
Ankara has been trying for some time to find a solution for the dispute regarding the S-400 and participation in the F-35 program.
A potential transfer of the systems to another country could contribute to the unblocking of the situation, however, Turkey cannot re-export without Russia’s agreement. Lavrov clarified that Moscow would analyze a potential request and that the recipient state should provide guarantees that the systems will not be subsequently transferred to another country.