US military officers walk next to F-35 fighter jets of the Vermont Air National Guard, parked in the military base at Skopje Airport, North Macedonia, on June 17, 2022. [Boris Grdanoski/AP]
Turkey and Russia are discussing a possible sale of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system to a third country, with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates identified in reports as potential destinations, a move that could clear the way for Turkey to regain access to American F-35 fighter jets.
The developments are being watched with concern in Greece. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis have highlighted to members of the US Congress what they describe as the potentially serious implications for regional stability if Turkey were to acquire F-35 aircraft. The concerns come as Turkish fighter jets were reported to have carried out airspace violations and been involved in an aerial interception incident over the Aegean on the previous day.
The issue gained attention after Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported that an agreement for the sale of the S-400 system to a Gulf country had been completed and could be announced soon. The report said Ankara and Moscow have been in talks on the matter.
