SHOCKER: Russia Pressures Turkey to Return S-400 Missile Systems Amid Shortages

Ankara — In a surprising development, Moscow has reportedly approached Ankara with a proposal to repurchase the S-400 missile defense systems it sold to Turkey in 2017, citing a shortage of available units and rising global demand for its flagship anti-air systems.

Turkey purchased two S-400 batteries for $2.5 billion, with deliveries completed in 2019, a move that triggered a deep rift with the United States and led to Ankara’s removal from the F-35 fighter jet program.

Russia’s Urgent Need

According to Turkish media reports, Russia is struggling to maintain sufficient S-400 stockpiles as losses mount in Ukraine and demand increases from countries such as India. Moscow has no reserve systems beyond those already deployed domestically and is eager to replenish supplies quickly.

India, for example, has faced repeated delays in the delivery of S-400 systems. During a recent meeting, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pressed Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov for clarity, only to be told deliveries would be postponed to 2026–2027.

Turkey’s Calculations

For Ankara, returning the systems could help ease relations with Washington. The U.S. sanctioned Turkey under the CAATSA law in response to the S-400 deal and has since blocked its participation in the advanced F-35 fighter jet program.

Although Turkey has not formally confirmed any willingness to sell the systems back, diplomatic sources suggest there is a “positive attitude” toward Moscow’s proposal. Meanwhile, Turkey has invested heavily in its indigenous “Çelik Kubbe” (“Steel Dome”) air defense system, which reduces its dependence on Russian hardware.

The S-400 missiles currently in Turkey have not been integrated into NATO’s air defense structures, and their munitions are reportedly approaching the midpoint of their shelf life. Maintenance costs are also mounting.

U.S. Resistance

Despite speculation that returning the S-400s could pave the way for Turkey’s re-entry into the F-35 program, resistance remains strong in Washington.

In a letter this week, the U.S. State Department reiterated its opposition, noting that Ankara must first comply fully with American sanctions laws. Forty lawmakers, led by Democrat Chris Pappas, urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to block Turkey’s return to the program, citing “ongoing violations of U.S. national security policy.”

“Turkey is a long-time NATO ally with a history of significant contributions,” the State Department said, while stressing that concerns over the S-400 remain unresolved.

The Stakes

For Ankara, returning the systems could lift a key obstacle in U.S.-Turkey defense relations, but political divisions in Congress suggest that broader mistrust will remain. For Moscow, reclaiming the batteries would provide an immediate boost to its overstretched defense industry.

The decision could reshape Turkey’s position within NATO and its balancing act between Russia and the West, at a time when both alliances are under severe strain from the war in Ukraine.

Source: Militaryni

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