France softens stance on selling Franco-Italian air-defense system to Turkey, sources say

France is reportedly open to selling the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air-defense system to Turkey, a significant shift after years of political opposition. Five sources familiar with the matter suggest this change could lead to more serious discussions with Ankara regarding the advanced missile defense system.

The shift in France's position appears to stem from recent talks between French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a summit on June 25. While negotiations are still in their early stages, the move signals a potential easing of political reservations that previously blocked progress on the deal.

Despite the French presidency declining to confirm the information and citing "significant inaccuracies" without elaboration, sources indicate a newfound openness. Previously, ties between Paris and Ankara had deteriorated over issues concerning Syria, Libya, and disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean involving Greece and Cyprus, stalling cooperation on defense programs initiated around 2017-2018.

The SAMP/T, also known as Mamba, is produced by the Eurosam consortium and is considered Europe's closest counterpart to the U.S. Patriot system. It is capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously and intercepting various threats, including ballistic missiles. Turkey, which possesses NATO's second-largest army, has been seeking such a system to bolster its air defense capabilities and integrate it into its planned "Steel Dome" network.

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Before, there was a clear lack of openness; now there is openness.