Turkey is considering transferring its Russian-made S-400 air defense system to the United Arab Emirates to remove US objections and reopen the way for purchasing F-35 fighter jets, according to the Wall Street Journal citing US and regional officials. The move follows discussions during a recent NATO summit, where US President Donald Trump indicated he might reconsider lifting the ban on Turkey’s participation in the F-35 program.

Turkey was excluded from the F-35 program in 2019 after buying the S-400 from Russia, as Washington feared the coexistence of both systems could expose sensitive data about the US aircraft to Moscow. Implementing the transfer plan faces major hurdles, including the need for Russian approval and support from the US Congress, where opposition to selling F-35s to Turkey remains strong.

The outcome of the plan depends on negotiations among Russia, the United States, and Turkey. The issue arises amid regional security concerns, as Gulf states seek to strengthen air defenses following Iranian drone and missile attacks.