Turkey’s S-400 Stance Remains Unchanged Amidst US Pressure
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, claims by US media and politicians about the possibility of Turkey returning the S-400 systems to Russia remain unverified. Ankara seems determined not to jeopardize its relationship with Moscow over the missile defense system.
Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 systems, starting in 2017, has become a significant point of contention between Washington and Ankara. The transfer of system components to Turkey in 2019 led to strong reactions from the Trump administration, including economic sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and Turkey’s removal from the joint F-35 fighter jet production program. The United States perceived the S-400 purchase as more than just a military transaction, viewing it as a symbol of Turkey’s growing alignment with Russia.
Recently, American media and officials have suggested the possibility of returning the S-400 systems to Russia in exchange for the delivery of F-35 fighter jets. US Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, stated that this issue could be resolved within four to six months.
In response, Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk, the press advisor and public relations officer for the Turkish Armed Forces, affirmed that Turkey’s position on the S-400 remains constant and unchanged.
Bloomberg has reported that Turkey is considering returning the systems, which could help normalize relations with the United States. European officials have also proposed sending the systems to Ukraine.
Given these claims, the question arises whether Turkey is reconsidering its purchase of the Russian defense systems.
To understand the situation, it’s important to recall that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a televised interview shortly after the initial purchase, stated that the decision was driven by NATO’s refusal to deploy Patriot systems in Turkey and Ankara’s need for air defense.
In 2017, Turkey had signed a contract to purchase a weapons system from China but was forced to cancel it due to US pressure. In the same year, Turkey proceeded with the purchase of the S-400 systems.
The choice of China and Russia as suppliers reflects the balancing policy of the Justice and Development Party (AKP). Closer ties with China and especially Russia provide leverage against the United States. This balancing act is sometimes referred to as “Neo-Abdulhamidism,” a policy reminiscent of Abdul Hamid II, which the ruling party in Turkey currently follows. This involves leveraging relations with Russia against the United States, and vice versa.
Turkey was well aware that close relations with Russia would not be welcomed by the United States, just as close ties with the United States would be unfavorable to Russia. Therefore, Turkey proceeded with the $2.5 billion S-400 purchase agreement with Moscow. Despite threatening letters from the US that were seen as undiplomatic, Ankara understood that canceling the agreement would damage its reputation as an independent actor in foreign policy within its public opinion.
Consequently, the S-400 systems remain deployed in cities such as Adana and Ankara. Maintaining stable relations with Russia is crucial for Turkey, and Ankara does not want to repeat the experience of 2015 when relations soured after the downing of a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 aircraft. Therefore, the S-400 system, which symbolizes the cooperation between Putin and Erdogan, will not be easily returned to Russia.
Under what conditions might the S-400 system be returned?
The return of the S-400 system might occur if Russia concludes that such a move would be beneficial. The weapons system, initially purchased by Turkey as part of a balancing policy against the United States, has caused considerable harm to Turkey. Given the US insistence on the S-400 issue, these damages could potentially increase.
However, if Turkey intends to return the system, it will do so in full coordination with Russia to ensure that its foreign policy independence is not questioned by its domestic public opinion.
Additionally, the idea proposed by European officials regarding the sale of these systems to other countries is not feasible, as the agreement stipulates that Turkey does not have the right to sell or transfer the systems to third-party countries.
