Double Edged Alliance: Turkish S-400 Triumf Systems and the F-35 Lightning II

Developments:

Turkey seeks to purchase Russian S-400 Triumfs, while also seeking to acquire F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.

Significance:

As a NATO member, Turkey creates significant tensions with other members of the alliance by seeking to purchase Russian-produced military equipment. Turkey though possesses the second largest military in the organization, after the USA, and cannot be readily dismissed as a valuable ally.

Directions:

Tensions can be alleviated, but further dialogue and mutually beneficial pathways must be provided.