Turkey in talks to buy more S-400 missile defense systems from Russia

Turkey is in talks to buy more S-400 missile defense systems from Moscow, Russia’s state arms exporter said, despite repeated warnings from the United States against such a purchase.

Alexander Mikheyev, head of state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, told Interfax news agency that the two countries were discussing financing and “a delivery schedule.”

He did not provide further details on the ongoing talks.

In July, NATO member Turkey received the first batch of Russia’s S-400 missile defense systems in a move that raised tensions with the United States.

In response, the United States kicked Turkey off its F-35 fighter jet program.

The U.S. says Russia will be able to glean sensitive technical knowledge about the new fighter if it is operated alongside the S-400.

Moscow and Ankara have made much of their defense and political cooperation.

On Tuesday, Russia and Turkey agreed to ensure the Syrian Democratic Forces withdraw from areas close to Syria’s border with Turkey and to launch joint patrols.

The agreement cemented Russia and Turkey’s roles as the main foreign players in Syria, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of American forces from the country’s north earlier this month.

With reporting from AFP