- MOSCOW: Russia is working on a plan to relocate its S-400 missile defence systems from Turkey to another country, a move that could potentially clear the way for Ankara to regain access to the US F-35 fighter jet programme, the Kremlin said Wednesday.
Turkey purchased the Russian-made S-400 systems in 2017 amid strained relations with Washington over the war in Syria and other issues.
The purchase drew criticism from NATO allies and prompted the United States to impose sanctions on Turkey under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Washington subsequently blocked Ankara from acquiring F-35 fighter jets, despite Turkey having already made payments for the programme.
On Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow could agree to transfer the systems to another country.
“There is such a possibility when a country where these S-400 systems will be moved to is responsible and maintains friendly relations with Russia,” Lavrov said, according to Russia’s state-run TASS news agency.
He added that Moscow would be prepared to transfer the systems if such a country formally requested them.
Asked about Lavrov’s remarks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told AFP on Wednesday that the possibility was “on the agenda”.
“Relevant work is being done and appropriate contacts are taking place,” Peskov said.
Turkey has been seeking a resolution to its long-running dispute with Washington over the F-35 programme. The Trump administration has also indicated a willingness to reconsider the issue.
During the NATO summit in Ankara in early July, US President Donald Trump said he was considering allowing Turkey to rejoin the F-35 programme.