Turkey decided to sell the S-400 air defense systems it purchased from Russia to the U.S.

Turkey is preparing the S-400 to be shipped to the United States. Turkey wrapped up the S-400's radar complex for shipment.

Turkey has announced its readiness to sell the S-400 air defense system purchased from Russia to the United States.

Contrary to Ankara’s initial statements that the weapons purchased from Russia are not subject to resale, it became known that, after powerful pressure from Washington, Turkey nevertheless decided to sell the S-400 ADS to the United States.

The final decision has not yet been made, however, experts believe that the subject of bargaining between Washington and Ankara, the United States will grant a loan of $10 billion, as well as Turkey’s return to the F-35 fighter program.

Judging by the statements of Ankara, Turkey can still sell the S-400 air defense systems purchased from Russia to the United States. In return, Turkey will receive a return to the F-35 program, in which Turkey was previously a “full partner”.

The quarrel between the two strongest NATO members is clearly not in favor of the bloc. Therefore, the United States is making suggestions on how the parties can find a compromise.

Jim Townsend, a former NATO policy officer at the Pentagon, commented, “I think the US purchase of the S-400 from Turkey is a clever way to get Erdogan out of the mess he’s got himself into. And if it allows the Turks to take part in the F-35, so much the better. By the way, the transfer of the S-400 to a third party is prohibited by the agreement with Russia, but, Turkey will do so to get out of the mess.”

It should be noted that in addition to Turkey’s return to the F-35 program, Ankara has a great interest in the modernization of its F-16 fighters – if sanctions are imposed by Washington, the Turkish Air Force may remain flying on old combat aircraft, and this will become serious a threat to the defenses of this country.

Experts draw attention to the fact that Turkey has not yet officially adopted the Russian S-400 systems for the country’s armament, although a year has passed since their delivery to this country, which indicates clearly some cunning plan of Erdogan, who initially announced that that “S-400” will begin to defend the borders of Turkey in April-May of this year.

Trump’s former National Security Adviser John Bolton wrote about the close friendship between the two presidents in his recent tell-all book, and about U.S. Special Envoy to Syria James Jeffrey, who Bolton calls “a pro-Erdoğan and anti-Kurdish senior figure”, helping to negotiate for Turkey’s operation in Syria, which started after Trump announced the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Kurdish-held areas.

U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, in a clip taken from what appears to be an episode of FX’s The Weekly, spoke of his vision for U.S. relations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, saying he would embolden Turkish opposition to defeat Turkey’s strongman in elections if he became president.

Biden also called Erdoğan an “autocrat,” adding, “He’s the president of Turkey and a lot more.” If Biden becomes the President in 80 days, then it is certain that Biden administration would impose tougher CAATSA sanctions on Turkey crippling Turkish economy.


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