Russia reportedly seeks Turkey’s permission to reclaim $2.5 billion worth of S-400 air defense systems purchased in 2019, aiming to use them in the Ukraine war and sell them abroad.
S-400 Systems Purchased by Turkey
Russia is seeking to recover four S-400 air defense and anti-missile systems purchased by Turkey in 2019, valued at $2.5 billion. These systems were never used by Ankara due to their failure to meet NATO requirements.
Russia’s Elaborate Strategy
Russia reportedly lacks export-ready S-400 systems outside those already in use. The Kremlin now aims to reclaim these systems to utilize them in the ongoing war against Ukraine and to potentially sell them to other countries, including India. Moscow plans to fulfill additional S-400 orders in 2026 and 2027, thereby hastening their return request.
Turkey’s Position
Turkey’s development of a domestic air defense system, Steel Dome, suggests a shift in alignment away from relying on Russia for defense needs. Amid ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding the purchase of F-16 fighter jets and inclusion in the F-35 program, Turkey may be open to Russia’s proposal.
