The statements made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to Athens brought Türkiye’s F-35 problem, which has not been resolved for years, back to the agenda. The basis of the F-35 dispute, which came to the agenda in Rubio’s interview with the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, is the S-400 air defense systems that Türkiye purchased from Russia in 2019. Washington argues that these systems pose a security risk in terms of the F-35’s sensitive technologies and radar features. Article 1245 of the US’s 2020 National Defense Authorization Act also prevents the transfer of aircraft as long as Türkiye holds the S-400s. According to the report of the US Congressional Research Service dated August 2026, six F-35s belonging to Türkiye are still kept in the USA. While Ankara emphasizes its right to meet its defense needs as a NATO ally, the dispute that started with its removal from the F-35 program in 2019 has not been resolved for 7 years.
THERE IS S-300 IN GREECE
One of the striking aspects of the F-35 debate is the Russian-made air defense systems within NATO. Greece has had the S-300 systems deployed on the island of Crete in its inventory for many years. The Athens administration also uses Russian-made Tor-M1 and Osa-AK air defense systems. While it is stated that Greece has S-300s in its air defense as of July 2026, it is known that an agreement has been signed to establish a new Israeli-made air defense network to replace these systems. The 20 F-35s that Greece purchased from the USA are planned to be delivered at the end of 2028.
NATO COUNTRIES USED IT
Russian-made S-300 systems are not only in Greece’s inventory. NATO member Bulgaria has also benefited from S-300 air defense systems for many years. Slovakia transferred the S-300 system, inherited from the Soviet era, to Ukraine in April 2022. On the other hand, one of the options for Türkiye’s return to the F-35 program is the transfer of S-400 systems to a third country. While Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that it may be possible under certain conditions to send the systems to a country that has friendly relations with Moscow, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov also announced that contacts on the subject are being carried out. Although the United Arab Emirates is among the possible addresses, there is no finalized agreement regarding sales to this country. It is not yet clear how and on what schedule Türkiye’s return to the F-35 program will be carried out in the event of the transfer of the S-400s.
“IT WOULD BE A BIG MISTAKE”
International Relations Expert Prof. Dr. Hasan Ünal, on the other hand, opposed the disposal of the S-400s and made the following evaluations: “This is one of the biggest mistakes Türkiye can make. The S-400 weapon system is currently ready for combat, has been tested and is unquestionably the best air defense weapon in the world. Israel is constantly attacking us. In Greece, there are talks of a preventive attack against Türkiye. The most powerful weapon we have against these countries is the S-400s.”
“WILL RUSSIA ALLOW?”
“Moreover, the KAAN project has come and gone. There is an F-35 lobby in Türkiye. For some reason, it is trying to get these planes bought. Turkey is currently producing its own air defense systems, but it is clear that we are not close to the S-400 yet. It is rumored that the system will be sold to the United Arab Emirates. Will Russia allow it? “If you do this despite Russia, you will endanger our comprehensive relations, from tourism to trade relations.”
