A report in Turkish newspaper Hurriyet has reignited speculation over the future of Turkey’s Russian-made S-400 air defense system, suggesting Ankara may be preparing to transfer the missiles to a third country in a move that could remove one of the biggest obstacles to rejoining the U.S.-led F-35 fighter jet program.

According to Hurriyet columnist Abdulkadir Selvi, Turkey could announce as early as Friday that it will sell or transfer the S-400 system to either the United Arab Emirates or Qatar. The report has not been independently confirmed.

S-400 Issue Back in Focus

The report says the issue returned to the forefront following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement during the NATO summit in Ankara that Washington would lift sanctions imposed on Turkey under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Trump also signaled a willingness to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, reopening a debate that dominated discussions surrounding the two-day NATO summit. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, meanwhile, called on NATO allies to remove restrictions on defense industry cooperation, while stressing that alliance unity should not be undermined.

The prospect of restoring Turkey’s access to the fifth-generation fighter has also generated opposition. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this week that he opposed any sale of F-35s to Turkey, arguing it would alter the regional military balance.

Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after taking delivery of the Russian S-400 air defense system, with Washington arguing that operating both systems posed security risks. The purchase also triggered U.S. sanctions against Ankara.

Russian Approval Likely Required

Any transfer of the S-400 system would likely require Russia’s approval because of contractual arrangements surrounding the sale. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan travelled to Moscow before Trump’s arrival in Ankara, where he met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin.

Some analysts have questioned whether Russia would have any interest in facilitating a process that could ultimately help Turkey regain access to the F-35 program, while also potentially straining Moscow’s relationship with Iran. Once the S-400 system is transferred to a third country, the report says, Trump would be able to notify Congress of the proposed next steps, allowing Turkey to pursue delivery of the six F-35 fighter jets it purchased before its removal from the program.

Report Remains Unconfirmed

The reported transfer of the S-400 system has not been officially announced by Ankara or confirmed by U.S. or Russian authorities.

For years, one option discussed publicly had been for Turkey to hand the S-400 system over to the United States, allowing it to be disabled in exchange for progress on the F-35 issue. However, President Erdogan has previously resisted such a move.

If the reported transfer to a third country is confirmed, it could represent an alternative path toward resolving one of the most contentious disputes in U.S.-Turkey defense relations and potentially pave the way for renewed negotiations over Ankara’s participation in the F-35 program.

Turkish Official Mentions U.S.-Iran Understanding

Separately, the report cites a Turkish official as saying there was an understanding reached between the United States and Iran following the recent military strikes, although no further details were provided.