Russia intends to buy previously supplied S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile systems (SAMs) from Turkey for subsequent sale to other countries. Ankara, seeking to improve relations with the United States, is open to such a proposal, writes the Turkish newspaper Nefes gazetesi.
Many countries interested in purchasing air defense systems have approached Russia regarding the possible purchase of S-400s. However, Moscow does not have any free SAMs.
Turkey is developing its own "Steel Dome" air defense system, so there is no need for Russian "Triumphs". In addition, according to the publication, it is impossible to integrate the S-400 into the air defense system of a NATO member country.
As a reminder, in 2017, Turkey signed an agreement with Russia for the supply of S-400s worth $2.5 billion. Ankara received the SAMs in 2019. Later, the United States excluded Turkey from the F-35 production program for purchasing Russian air defense systems. Turkish authorities hope that by abandoning the S-400s, they will be able to return to the project.