Russia has offered its help in developing next-generation combat jets for the Turkish military, RIA news agency reported, citing a top Russian defense official.
Turkey is currently working on a domestically designed fifth-generation stealth fighter after failing to secure an F-35 contract with the US because of its purchase of S-400 air defense missile systems from Russia.
According to Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation head Dmitry Shugayev, Moscow has repeatedly expressed its readiness to assist Turkey in creating a state-of-the-art aircraft.
He also revealed that his country is in negotiations with Turkey to supply modern Russian weapons and equipment.
Earlier this year, Turkey announced that it is ready and willing to cooperate with friendly nations in the design and manufacture of combat aircraft. Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Industries head Ismail Demir even stated that the “door is open” to allies who want to be part of the project.
Deepening Ties With Russia
In October, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have agreed to collaborate on specific military projects, including the development of new nuclear plants, submarines, and a space program.
The meeting was held after the US government refused to sell its advanced fifth-generation fighters to Turkey for pushing through with the Russian S-400 contract, which triggered the Biden administration to impose sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.
Erdogan expressed that there will be “no step back” from his country’s acquisition of Russian S-400 systems, and he also acknowledged that he and President Joe Biden have not had a “good start.”
In addition to the S-400s, Turkey is planning to purchase Russian Sukhoi fighters. “We talked in detail about what kind of steps we can take on fighter aircraft, aircraft engines… God willing, we will have joint steps with Russia,” the top Turkish official said, as quoted by Nikkei Asia.
