The issue of S-400 and F-35 between the United States and Turkey has been a subject of ongoing debate for months. Secret negotiations regarding a proposal by the U.S. to resume sales of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, in exchange for deactivating Russia’s S-400 missile defense system, have reportedly been leaked to the Greek media.
According to Greece’s Kathimerini newspaper, the U.S. offered Turkey a deal where the S-400s would remain on Turkish soil, but their control would be transferred to the U.S. Another option proposed was transferring the S-400 systems to Incirlik Air Base, which is under U.S. control. This way, Turkey could rejoin the F-35 program without appearing to make a public retreat on the international stage.
According to leaked information, U.S. officials held high-level meetings with Turkey in July 2024. Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin confirmed that in these discussions, the U.S. proposed that Turkey hand over the S-400 systems to the U.S. or transfer them to the U.S.-controlled sector at Incirlik Air Base, in exchange for reentry into the F-35 program.
The leak of this proposal has been interpreted as potentially triggering negative reactions from the Turkish public, possibly derailing the process. However, it appears both the U.S. and Turkey are keen on resolving this issue and improving relations.
