Türkiye has reportedly asked Russia for permission to transfer its S-400 air defense systems to a third country in a move that could help revive negotiations with the United States over the purchase of F-35 fighter jets.

Ankara sees the potential relocation of the Russian-made missile systems as a possible way to remove one of the key obstacles to restoring defense ties with Washington, The Caspian Post reports via Bloomberg.

The report says Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin during talks in Kazan in June. However, the Kremlin has not yet provided an official response to the request.

Despite the reported initiative, US lawmakers remain skeptical. Several American senators argue that transferring the S-400 systems to another country would not fully address the security concerns that led to Türkiye's removal from the F-35 program and the imposition of CAATSA sanctions.

Türkiye purchased the S-400 systems from Russia in 2019, but the batteries have reportedly remained in storage and are not currently on active combat duty.