12.07.2026 07:30
Following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's statement regarding the S-400s, "Keep watching us," all eyes turned to Ankara's next steps, while it was claimed that Russia looked favorably upon the possibility of selling the S-400 air defense systems in Turkey's inventory to the UAE. It was stated that negotiations between the parties continue, and it was alleged that Moscow does not oppose the transfer of the systems to a Gulf country, and a potential sale could take place between Turkey and the UAE.
While the echoes of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's statement after the NATO Leaders Summit regarding the S-400 air defense systems, "Keep watching us," continue, a striking claim about Turkey's S-400 inventory has emerged.
According to a report by Middle East Eye (MEE), Russia views favorably the possibility of selling Turkey's S-400 air defense systems to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The report states that negotiations between the parties have not yet concluded, while claiming that Moscow does not oppose the transfer of the systems to a Gulf country.
CLAIM: "NO OBJECTION FROM RUSSIA TO THE UAE OPTION"
According to the report, Russian sources expressed that they are not opposed to Turkey's idea of selling the S-400s to the UAE, while Turkish sources stated that the UAE already uses Russian-made air defense systems like Pantsir and wants to diversify its arms procurement to strengthen its defense capacity.
Additionally, it was claimed that a potential sale would be carried out between Turkey and the UAE, therefore Russia would not be directly involved, and it might not be evaluated under US CAATSA sanctions.
KREMLIN: NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had previously stated in a statement that Russia and Turkey are conducting negotiations regarding the possible resale of the S-400 air defense systems in Ankara's inventory.
Peskov said, "Russia and Turkey have held talks on the possible resale of the S-400 complexes in Ankara's inventory. The possibility of selling these systems is a sensitive issue. Negotiations with Turkey on this matter will continue."
MESSAGE FROM TRUMP ON CAATSA AND F-35
US President Donald Trump, who met with President Erdoğan during the NATO Leaders Summit, said he would lift the CAATSA sanctions and expressed that he is favorable to the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
President Erdoğan, recalling that previously given promises regarding the F-35 program were mentioned, assessed, "The F-35 is not a new issue for us. Mr. Trump always stands by his word."
During a press conference held after the NATO Summit, when a Reuters reporter asked Erdoğan, "How will you overcome the S-400 obstacle for Turkey to receive the F-35?", Erdoğan replied, "Keep watching us." Following this statement, various claims regarding the future of the S-400s emerged.
CRITICAL THRESHOLD CROSSED FOR F110 ENGINES OF KAAN
Meanwhile, a significant development occurred in the sales process of F110 engines to be used in Turkey's national combat aircraft KAAN. During the 15-day review period that began after the US administration's official notification to Congress, no decision was made to block the sale. Thus, the process for the sale of F110 engines to Turkey continued without encountering a congressional obstacle.