Turkey's S-400 gamble: How a Gulf sale could redraw West Asia's air defence map

Turkey purchased the Russian-made S-400 Triumph air defence system in 2017, delivered in 2019, leading to its removal from the US-led F-35 programme and CAATSA sanctions.

Turkey is negotiating the transfer of its largely unused S-400 batteries to a Gulf country, with the UAE and Qatar as potential buyers.

A transfer could reshape West Asia's air defence architecture, as both Iran and a Gulf state might operate the S-400 alongside US-made Patriot and THAAD systems.

US President Donald Trump indicated willingness to reconsider Turkey's return to the F-35 programme and lift CAATSA sanctions if the S-400 issue is resolved.