Ankara, Turkey. Turkey is in talks with third countries over the future of its Russian-made S-400 air defence systems, Defence Minister Yasar Guler has confirmed.
The discussions could help address one of the main disputes affecting Turkey’s relations with the United States, including its exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet programme.
Talks with Washington
Guler made the comments on Tuesday in written responses to questions from members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly concerning the S-400 systems and Turkey’s removal from the F-35 programme.
He said discussions with Washington were continuing in a positive atmosphere.
“Within the context of the positive momentum that has developed in military and political relations with the US, solutions are being sought, with mutual understanding and cooperation, for issues that are pending from the past and also concern third countries,” Guler said.
Possible transfers
Guler did not identify the countries involved. His remarks were the clearest public confirmation by the Turkish government that possible transfers of the S-400 systems are under discussion.
He said Turkey’s defence planning was based on existing and future security threats, adding that decisions were taken with “sensitivity and professionalism”.
The comments followed recent statements by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who said consultations on the S-400 systems were continuing. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also recently addressed the issue, telling reporters: “Continue to watch us.”
F-35 exclusion
Turkey was removed from the F-35 programme in 2019 after acquiring the Russian S-400 missile defence system.
Washington argued that the system posed a risk to the advanced fighter aircraft.