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Turkish defense ministry responds to US ambassador’s remarks on S-400 systems

12 December 2025 14:16 (UTC +04:00)

Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense has commented on remarks made by U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack regarding the S-400 air defense system, APA’s Türkiye bureau reports.

The ministry stated that recent claims about sanctions related to the S-400 system are unfounded.

The ministry noted that Türkiye and Washington are discussing issues that have prevented Ankara from rejoining the F-35 program, but emphasized that there has been no change regarding Türkiye’s ownership of the Russian-made S-400 air defense systems.

The ministry also said that as a temporary solution until Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets are delivered from the United Kingdom, Türkiye plans to purchase a total of 24 aircraft—12 each from Qatar and Oman.

U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack stated that if Türkiye wishes to return to the F-35 fighter jet production and procurement program, it should no longer retain the S-400 air defense system purchased from Russia.

Daryanur Jafarova

Türkiye United States defense policy S-400 air defense system F-35 program Türkiye–US relations Ministry of National Defense Tom Barrack sanctions military cooperation