Turkey Seeks to Offload Russian S-400s in Bid to Rejoin F-35 Program

Turkey's S-400 Dilemma

According to ХВИЛЯ: In a strategic reversal, Turkey is now looking to sell back its Russian S-400 air defense systems to the United States. This move is a direct attempt to regain entry into the American F-35 stealth fighter program, from which it was expelled following the 2016 purchase. According to former Ukrainian Ambassador to Turkey, Serhiy Korsunsky, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's decision to acquire the S-400s was driven by fear in the aftermath of a failed coup attempt that same year.

In an interview with political analyst Yuriy Romanenko, Korsunsky elaborated that the procurement phase began after the 2016 coup plot. Erdoğan, he stated, feared his own air force more than any external threat, as the situation in the skies over Ankara had become precarious. The S-400s were ostensibly purchased to defend against American aircraft, not Russian ones, raising serious questions about their true purpose from the start.

A Potential Foreign Policy Shift

Recent reports indicate Erdoğan has proposed that Russia take back the S-400 systems.

“Take them back, because we want the F-35. This means everything is already clear,” Korsunsky remarked.

He suggested this could signal Turkey's intent to mend its relationship with NATO. This geopolitical maneuvering highlights Turkey's complex position between Western alliances and its dealings with Russia.

Korsunsky also pointed to the deep historical context, noting Turkey remembers losing 17 wars to Russia. He emphasized that Turkey understands the significance of Crimea, which he believes should remain part of Ukraine.

“Crimea should be the land of the Crimean Tatars, whom in Turkey are called Crimean Turks,” he stated.

Regarding Turkish sentiment toward Russia, Korsunsky observed that, deep down, there is a profound animosity. He cited examples of Turkish hotel managers expressing a preference for Ukrainian tourists over Russians, who are often associated with negative perceptions.

“They understand everything perfectly well,” Korsunsky concluded, pointing to the underlying complexity in Turkish-Russian relations.

These developments point to a potential recalibration of Turkish foreign policy that could significantly impact its ties with NATO and the U.S. Regaining access to the F-35 program would mark a major step in strengthening military cooperation with Western allies and reducing dependence on Russian technology. However, the enduring historical and cultural factors shaping Turkey's view of Russia may complicate this pivot, as the country continues to navigate a delicate balance between East and West.