Striking S-400 analysis: 'It came at a heavy cost'

Turkey's 2.5 billion dollar S-400 agreement with Russia in 2017 stood out as a decision made in an environment of distrust following the 2016 coup attempt and tensions with NATO allies. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan turned to Russia's S-400 system after finding the US conditions for the Patriot system unacceptable.

This decision led to Turkey's removal from the F-35 fighter jet program. Turkey had invested over 1.4 billion dollars in this program, and many Turkish defense companies were involved in the project. However, not only were the F-35s not delivered, but Turkey was also unable to receive a share from production, a situation that resulted in a 9 billion dollar loss for Turkey.

The S-400 systems arrived in Turkey in 2019 but were not actively used. Following a test firing in Sinop in 2020, the systems were deactivated. This situation caused the S-400s to turn into unused military hardware. Furthermore, the measures applied to Turkey by the US under CAATSA sanctions negatively affected the defense industry.

It was alleged that during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkmenistan in December 2025, Turkey brought up the issues of returning the S-400s and compensating for the payment. Although the Kremlin stated that this request was not voiced, this development indicates that Ankara is re-evaluating its strategy.

Washington states that if Turkey completely abandons the S-400s, it could return to the F-35 program. This step could revitalize relations and defense cooperation between Turkey and the US. However, this process is causing Turkey's strategic decisions in domestic and foreign policy to be questioned.

News Source: 12punto