Turkey seeks to return Russian missile systems in bid to rejoin F-35 program - report
Dec. 18, 2025 4:39 AM ET
Turkey has sought to return the S-400 air defense systems that it bought from Russia back in 2017, a move that would likely improve its ties with the U.S. and allow it to buy F-35 stealth fighter jets, Bloomberg News reported.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly brought up the matter with Russia's Vladimir Putin last week, following similar discussions between the two countries' officials, according to people familiar with the matter.
If Turkey were to give up its Russian military equipment, it could pave the way for the U.S. to lift sanctions on the Turkish defense industry, the sources added.
Turkey is also said to be seeking a refund of the billions of dollars it spent to buy the S-400 system, which raises the possibility of Ankara requesting a deduction from its energy imports bill from Russia.
The Turkish presidency declined to comment on the report, while the Kremlin denied that such a request was made during the meeting between Erdogan and Putin.
The U.S. pushed Turkey out of the F-35 program in 2019 following its acquisition of S-400 systems. The F-35, manufactured by Lockheed Martin ( LMT), is widely considered as the world's most advanced fighter jet.
Tom Barrack, U.S. ambassador to Turkey, last week reiterated that Turkey must not operate or possess the S-400 if it wants to return to the F-35 program. He added that talks between the U.S. and Turkey could yield a breakthrough in the coming months. |
