Türkiye is reportedly considering selling its Russian-made S-400 air defense systems to South Korea as part of efforts to pave the way for a return to the US-led F-35 fighter jet program.

Ankara could opt to transfer the S-400 systems to South Korea instead of returning them to Russia, potentially addressing one of Washington's key concerns over Türkiye's participation in the fifth-generation fighter program, The Caspian Post reports via Euractiv.

Türkiye was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing the Russian S-400 missile defense system. The US argued that operating the S-400 alongside the F-35 could expose sensitive radar and stealth technology to Russia.

US President Donald Trump may be willing to soften Washington's position on selling F-35s to Türkiye. The report cites Trump as saying he would "probably do something that would make Türkiye very happy."

The prospect of Türkiye rejoining the F-35 program has reportedly raised concerns in Greece and Israel, where officials fear the move could alter the regional military balance.

Sources in Israel's security establishment also said that some components of the F-35 are designed and manufactured by Israeli companies, adding that Israel would likely be reluctant to see those technologies incorporated into aircraft operated by Türkiye.