The UAE may acquire Russian S-400s from Turkey
The United Arab Emirates may acquire Russian S-400 air defense systems from Turkey, which Ankara has not yet put into service. If the deal is approved, the UAE will further strengthen its multi-layered air defense system and solidify its position among the countries with the most powerful air defense capabilities in the Middle East.
The United Arab Emirates may significantly strengthen its air defense system in the near future. According to Forbes, the country is considered one of the leading contenders to acquire Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, which Turkey purchased some time ago but has yet to put into full operation. According to the publication, negotiations are currently underway regarding the possible sale of these systems to one of the Persian Gulf countries. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar are cited as the most likely buyers.
At the same time, the final decision does not depend solely on Ankara. Since the systems are Russian-made, Turkey must obtain Moscow’s consent to sell them to a third country. According to Forbes, Russia is currently considering approving the transfer of the systems to Abu Dhabi. If the deal goes through, the UAE could receive two S-400 batteries and 120 anti-aircraft missiles. These are the very systems that Turkey purchased several years ago for approximately $2.5 billion.
Today, the United Arab Emirates’ air defense system is already considered one of the most diverse in the region. The country’s arsenal includes American THAAD and Patriot PAC-3 systems, South Korean KM-SAM systems, and Russian “Pantsir-S1” anti-aircraft gun-missile systems. In addition, the UAE has become one of the few Arab states to purchase Israeli air defense systems. These include the Barak and SPYDER systems, which are designed to counter aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions.
Forbes also notes that during the war between Israel and Iran, the Israeli military even deployed the “Iron Dome” system in the UAE, along with the units that operated it. This move marked an unprecedented level of security cooperation between the two countries. Analysts note that the current multi-layered system allows the Emirates to defend against a wide range of air threats—from drones to ballistic missiles. If the S-400 is added to this arsenal, the country’s capabilities will expand significantly, particularly in the area of intercepting long-range targets.
Forbes also points out that the potential deal aligns with the UAE’s policy of diversifying its armaments. For many years, the country has been purchasing military equipment from various partners, rather than relying on a single supplier. According to the author of the article, the purchase of the S-400 would be another step in this direction and would allow the Emirates to further solidify its status as a nation with one of the most powerful and diverse air defense systems not only in the Middle East but also in the world.
At the same time, neither side has made any official statements regarding the conclusion of a deal. Negotiations are ongoing, and the final decision will depend on both Turkey and Russia’s position regarding permission to re-export the S-400 systems. Forbes reports on this.
The U.S. has eased export restrictions for the UAE and granted access to advanced technologies.
The UAE has asked the U.S. for money in case the war in the Middle East continues — WSJ
