Turkey Considers Sending Russian S-400 System to UAE to Unlock F-35 Deal

Key Facts

Published: July 19, 2026 Location: Washington DC Source: Wall Street Journal

• Turkey is considering transferring its Russian S-400 system to the United Arab Emirates.
• Ankara hopes the move will persuade Washington to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets.
• The proposal faces possible resistance from Russia, Congress, and Israel.

Ankara seeks to resolve a long-running dispute with Washington as Gulf defenses face mounting pressure from Iran

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Turkey is discussing the possible transfer of its Russian-made S-400 air-defense system to the United Arab Emirates in an effort to regain access to America’s advanced F-35 fighter jet program, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Citing U.S. and regional officials familiar with the talks, the Journal said Ankara hopes removing the S-400 from Turkish territory would address longstanding American security concerns and clear the way for a new weapons agreement.

The United States removed Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019 after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government purchased the Russian system. Washington has warned that operating the S-400 near the stealth fighter could allow the Russian technology to collect sensitive information about the F-35, including its radar signature.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the discussions intensified after President Donald Trump visited Turkey for a NATO summit earlier this month and said he was considering lifting restrictions on an F-35 sale to Ankara.

The UAE could also benefit from the arrangement as it seeks to strengthen its air defenses following Iranian missile and drone attacks against Gulf states during this year’s regional conflict.

The proposal, however, faces significant diplomatic and legal obstacles. Russia would likely need to approve the re-export of the S-400, while Turkey would seek American guarantees that it could obtain the F-35 after completing the transfer.

Congress would also have a role in approving any major weapons sale. Some lawmakers have supported Turkey’s return to the program if the S-400 is permanently removed, while others remain concerned about Ankara’s increasingly confrontational posture toward Israel, Greece, and Cyprus.

Israel has also opposed an F-35 sale to Turkey over concerns that it could weaken the Jewish state’s military advantage in the Middle East.

Turkey was previously a major participant in the multinational F-35 program, helping manufacture parts for the aircraft. Its removal cost Turkish defense companies billions of dollars in potential contracts.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the talks reflect a renewed effort by Erdogan’s government to settle the dispute, though any final agreement would require cooperation among Turkey, the United States, Russia, and the UAE.

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