The possible relocation of Russian-made S-400 systems from Türkiye to a friendly third country is under discussion, with relevant work and communication already underway, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

“The topic is on the agenda, relevant work is being conducted, and appropriate communication is in progress,” Peskov said when asked whether Russia was considering moving the systems from Türkiye to a friendly country, The Caspian Post reports, citing TASS.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a news conference following the High-Level Week of the 81st UN General Assembly that Moscow was open to the possibility of transferring the S-400 systems from Türkiye to another friendly country. However, he noted that no such requests had been received so far and stressed that any transfer would require Russia’s consent.

Türkiye purchased four battalions of S-400 air defense systems from Russia in 2017 for $2.5 billion. In October 2019, Rosoboronexport, part of the Rostec state corporation, announced that the delivery contract had been completed.

After Türkiye and Russia signed the contract for the supply of an S-400 regimental set, Ankara was removed from the US F-35 fighter jet program.