The issue with the S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) purchased by Turkey from Russia may be resolved in 2026. This was stated by the US Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, in a comment to CNN Turk.
We are discussing the S-400 issue with Turkey. I think next year this issue will be resolved.
At the same time, the American diplomat did not specify what he meant by "resolving the issue."
Earlier, the Western agency Bloomberg reported that, according to Barrack, Turkey does not use Russian systems and plans to abandon them. After that, Ankara will receive permission to purchase American-made F-35 fighters. However, the Turkish Ministry of Defense has repeatedly emphasized that the situation with the S-400 has not changed in any way.
Turkish authorities purchased four divisions of air defense systems. The contract value was estimated at $2.5 billion. In 2019, Rosoboronexport announced the fulfillment of obligations for the supply of SAM systems. Later, Washington excluded Turkey from the F-35 program, demanding that it abandon the S-400.