Turkey Sells S-400s to Qatar to Regain F-35 Access

The Government of Turkey reached an agreement during a NATO Summit for Turkey to sell its Russian-made S-400 missile systems to Qatar. The deal, with technical details finalized on July 9, 2026, allows Turkey to bypass American sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and secure its return to the F-35 fighter jet program and the acquisition of engines for its domestic KAAN aircraft.

President Donald Trump announced he would lift the CAATSA sanctions, citing a strong relationship with Turkey. While Trump initially stated he had not totally made up his mind regarding the F-35 sales, the S-400 transfer serves as the legal solution to satisfy U.S. security concerns. Because Turkey lacks a re-export license, the sale requires formal consent from Moscow. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia has held discussions with Ankara, characterizing the transfer as an extremely sensitive issue.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan initiated these proposals during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan in June. Despite the agreement, the move faces opposition from the Armenian National Committee of America and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Additionally, Greece views the procurement of fifth-generation F-35 aircraft as a direct threat to the aerial balance of power in the Aegean.