06.07.2026 13:40
Hours before the NATO Leaders' Summit, France is alleged to have changed its approach to the sale of the SAMP/T air defense system to Turkey. While it is noted that long-standing reservations have significantly diminished, it was stated that the talks with Turkey are still in an early stage and a final decision on a potential deal has not yet been made.
It has been claimed that France has started to adopt a more positive approach regarding the sale of the SAMP/T air defense system to Turkey.
Five sources close to the matter who spoke to Reuters stated that France has reduced its years-long reservations. The change in attitude was reported to have occurred following the meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on June 25.
DREW ATTENTION AHEAD OF THE NATO SUMMIT
It drew attention that this development came to the agenda before the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara on July 7-8.
While the sources indicated that contacts with Turkey are still in the initial stages, they said that France had not shown a clear will regarding the sale in the past, but now displays a more open stance.
A source assessed the process, saying, 'They weren't clear enough before; now they are.'
TALKS IN EARLY STAGE
It was stated that negotiations between the parties are ongoing, but a final decision has not yet been made for a possible agreement. The SAMP/T system, jointly developed by France and Italy, is among the advanced air defense systems used by NATO countries with its long-range air and missile defense capability.
TURKEY WANTS TO STRENGTHEN AIR DEFENSE
Turkey has long been maintaining contacts regarding the SAMP/T system in line with its goal to increase its air defense capacity.
If the possible sale materializes, it would be an important step in strengthening Turkey's air and missile defense capacity.