19.08.2026 08:30
A noteworthy assessment has come from the Russian press regarding the future of the S-400s, one of the most critical obstacles in Türkiye's F-35 process. The report emphasized that although Moscow's permission is required for the transfer of the systems to a third country, it is 'unlikely that Russia would be able to obstruct' the sale if Ankara reaches an agreement with the UAE.
While it is eagerly awaited what kind of step Turkey will take regarding the S-400 air defense systems in order to return to the F-35 fighter jet program, a striking claim came from the Russian press. According to the claim, while Russia's permission is required for the transfer of the systems to a third country, Moscow would not obstruct this transfer if Turkey wanted to sell the S-400s to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
THE FATE OF THE S-400s IS ALSO CLOSELY MONITORED BY MOSCOW
The issue of the S-400 air defense systems, which is the biggest obstacle Ankara must overcome to add F-35 fighter jets to its inventory, is on the radar not only of the Washington administration but also of Moscow. The Kommersant newspaper, one of Russia's leading publications, examined the future of the S-400 systems Turkey procured from Russia.
"PERMISSION REQUIRED FOR SALE TO A THIRD COUNTRY"
In the newspaper's comprehensive assessment, attention was drawn to the legal dimensions of the defense agreement between the two countries. The report reminded of the fact that Ankara cannot sell or transfer the S-400 systems it possesses, or any component belonging to these systems, to a third country without Russia's official permission.
GREEN LIGHT FROM RUSSIA FOR THE UAE FORMULA
Despite the "transfer to a third country" restriction in the contract, the Kommersant newspaper put forward a critical claim regarding the attitude Russia would adopt in a possible UAE scenario. The assessment included the statements, "If Turkey reaches an agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it seems unlikely that Russia would obstruct such a sale."
The newspaper listed the main reasons behind Russia not opposing a possible transfer as the UAE not being a NATO member and the absence of any political crisis or special tension between Moscow and the Abu Dhabi administration.
THE F-35 PROCESS AND PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN'S CALL
In the continuation of the analysis, it was emphasized that Ankara maintains its determination to purchase F-35 fighter jets from the USA, while it was stated that Washington's rigid stance on the S-400 issue continues to block the diplomatic process.
The report also referred to the statements President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made to Al Jazeera television last weekend. The newspaper shared with its readers Erdoğan's call to the US administration, saying, "We expect Mr. Trump to fulfill his promise regarding the F-35 fighter jets."