Russia and Turkey are exploring the possibility of deliveries of the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jet and Su-35 aircraft to Ankara, according to a Russian official.
Russia began delivering S-400 missile systems to Turkey this year, a move that caused tensions with Ankara's NATO allies.
The deal was opposed by the United States, which began removing Turkey from its program for manufacturing F-35 jets that Ankara also planned to buy.
Dmitry Shugaev, the head of Russia's Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation, said he planned to discuss the S-400 missile-defense system with a Turkish colleague later on August 28, as well as "possibly deliveries of the Su-35 or Su-57."
"Much interest has been shown. It's early to talk of contract negotiations. There hasn't been an application yet. Consultations have to take place," Russian news agencies quoted Shugaev as saying.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on August 27 that Turkey wants to continue defense industry cooperation with Russia, including on jet fighters, following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Erdogan, who attended the MAKS-2019 air show in Zhukovsky, outside Moscow, together with Putin, asked the Russian leader whether the Su-57 could be bought, Interfax agency reported.
"You can buy it," Putin replied, after which the two leaders laughed, according to Interfax.
Russia, Turkey Discuss Sale Of Stealth Fighter, Su-35 Jet
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Four Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighters perform during the opening ceremony of the MAKS 2019 International Aviation and Space Salon in Zhukovsky outside Moscow on August 27.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was escorted by Russian President Vladimir Putin to inspect a Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jet. The visit came after the United States suspended Turkey’s ability to buy its advanced F-35 stealth warplane because it took delivery of a Russian air-defense system. Washington said the system was incompatible with Turkey’s role in NATO and could allow Russia to gather information about the U.S. stealth fighter’s advanced technology.
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Erdogan reportedly asked Putin if the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter was available for purchase. The Russian leader replied in the affirmative: "You can buy it," according to the Interfax news agency.
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Russia's Mi-28NE "Night Hunter" attack helicopter on display at the MAKS International Aviation and Space Salon.
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A Sukhoi Su-47 Berkut supersonic jet fighter on August 26. The experimental combat aircraft never entered service but much of its technology was incorporated into the Sukhoi Su-57.
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A Russian MIG pilot visits the MAKS-2019 International Aviation and Space Salon opening ceremony on August 27.
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