A new proposal has emerged in the long-running defense dispute between Turkey and the United States over Ankara’s Russian-made S-400 air defense systems, potentially opening a path toward renewed cooperation on the F-35 fighter jet program.
U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, following high-level meetings in Ankara, said discussions have taken place involving the United Arab Emirates and suggested that the UAE could provide one of the most viable solutions to the S-400 issue.
Issa Points to UAE as Possible Solution
Issa said the S-400 dispute was discussed extensively during his contacts in Turkey, describing the remaining challenge as determining how an agreed solution could be implemented.
The Republican congressman pointed to discussions involving the United Arab Emirates and said the UAE could represent the “best solution” to the problem.
His remarks raise the possibility of a formula under which Turkey’s S-400 systems could be moved out of the country or otherwise transferred to a third party.
However, no finalized agreement to transfer the systems to the UAE has been publicly announced by Turkey, the United States or the United Arab Emirates.
S-400 Dispute Remains Central to F-35 Issue
Turkey was removed from the U.S.-led F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program following Ankara’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 system.
Washington has argued that operating the Russian air defense system alongside the F-35 could create security risks for the advanced aircraft and NATO defense infrastructure. Turkey has rejected those concerns and has repeatedly criticized its exclusion from the program.
The dispute subsequently became one of the biggest obstacles in U.S.-Turkey defense relations.
Finding a mutually acceptable arrangement for the S-400s could therefore have major implications for Turkey’s prospects of eventually returning to the F-35 program.
Issa’s comments suggest that bringing a third country — potentially the UAE — into the equation is among the options being discussed.
Issa Also Addresses Sanctions
The U.S. congressman also made notable comments regarding sanctions on Turkey.
Issa said the Trump administration had established its position on Turkey and suggested there was no intention at the highest levels of the administration to pursue additional sanctions against Ankara.
The legal situation, however, remains more complicated.
Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Industries and several officials have been subject to U.S. sanctions imposed following the S-400 acquisition. Issa’s remarks therefore should not be interpreted as meaning that all existing sanctions against Turkey have already been formally lifted.
Nevertheless, his comments signal a potentially more conciliatory political approach toward Ankara as the two NATO allies seek to resolve longstanding defense disputes.
F-16 Modernization Could Come First
Issa also addressed Turkey’s possible return to the F-35 program, suggesting that modernizing Ankara’s existing F-16 fleet may be the more immediate priority.
He noted the significant backlog in F-35 production and deliveries and argued that strengthening Turkey’s existing fighter fleet is important for both countries.
Turkey has already moved forward with plans to purchase 40 new F-16 fighter jets from the United States, while modernization of its existing aircraft remains an important part of Ankara’s effort to maintain its air combat capabilities.
The comments indicate that Washington and Ankara could focus on strengthening Turkey’s F-16 fleet while continuing negotiations over the more politically sensitive F-35 issue.
High-Level Meetings in Ankara
Issa’s comments are particularly significant because they followed a series of high-level meetings in the Turkish capital.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Issa and U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq Tom Barrack on September 8.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan then received Barrack and Issa at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on September 9.
The meeting was held behind closed doors.
Issa’s subsequent comments on the S-400s, F-35s, F-16 modernization and sanctions have fueled expectations that defense cooperation is once again becoming a central part of the U.S.-Turkey diplomatic agenda.
Could the S-400 Standoff Finally Be Broken?
There is currently no confirmed agreement for Turkey to transfer its S-400 systems to the United Arab Emirates.
Still, the fact that a U.S. lawmaker raised the UAE option following high-level talks in Ankara suggests that new formulas are being explored to resolve a dispute that has strained relations between the two NATO allies for years.
If Ankara and Washington can reach a mutually acceptable arrangement over the S-400s, it could have consequences far beyond the Russian-made missile systems themselves.
Such an agreement could help address existing sanctions, deepen bilateral defense cooperation and potentially reopen discussions about Turkey’s future relationship with the F-35 program.
Attention will now turn to whether the reported discussions involving Turkey, the United States and the UAE develop into a concrete proposal.
