NEW YORK — Russia is prepared to consider Türkiye's possible transfer of its Russian-made S-400 air defense systems to a third country, but Moscow wants official approval and firm guarantees that the systems will not eventually be transferred to Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the remarks during a press conference in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Lavrov said the S-400 systems were supplied under a contract containing an end-user certificate. He said Türkiye cannot move the systems outside its territory without Russia's official approval.
“We will be ready to consider the transfer of Turkish S-400s to such a country when a request comes guaranteeing that such violations will not be tolerated,” Lavrov said.
He was referring to cases in which European countries purchased weapons from nations in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Arab world with commitments against onward transfers, but weapons later reached Ukraine.
UAE Mentioned as Possible Destination
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been mentioned as a possible destination for Türkiye's S-400 systems. However, Lavrov said Russia is not currently considering any specific option.
“If a request comes in, we can look at exactly what our Turkish colleagues want to do. They may not have a plan yet,” he said.
Lavrov also said the potential recipient would need to maintain friendly relations with Russia and provide guarantees against further transfer. No formal Turkish request has been publicly confirmed.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said talks on the S-400 issue are continuing with the relevant parties, but he did not provide a timeline for a decision.
S-400 Dispute With the United States
Türkiye signed a $2.5 billion S-400 contract with Russia in 2017, and deliveries of four batteries began in July 2019. The purchase led to Türkiye's removal from the U.S. F-35 fighter program and later U.S. sanctions under CAATSA.
In December 2025, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack said Türkiye would have to stop possessing or operating the S-400 to meet U.S. legal requirements for a possible return to the F-35 program.
On July 16, 2026, Turkish Defense Ministry spokesman Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk said work on the S-400 Long-Range Regional Air and Missile Defense Systems was continuing and that concrete developments would be announced when they occur.
S-400 Draws Attention After Operation Sindoor
The S-400 has also received increased attention following India's Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Indian official sources said the system was used as part of India's air-defense network during the operation. A later Indian government publication described an S-400 engagement at a range of 350 kilometers against an airborne early-warning platform.
Russia's latest comments restate its position that any transfer of Türkiye's S-400 systems requires Moscow's approval. So far, no formal transfer request has been publicly confirmed, and no final third-country recipient has been announced.
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