Russia to cooperate with Turkey in helicopters, combat aircraft and air defense systems

MOSCOW, July 25. /TASS/. Russia’s arms seller Rosoboronexport (part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec) plans to continue cooperation with Turkey in helicopters, combat aviation and air defense systems, after the deliveries of S-400 surface-to-air missile launchers are over, Rosoboronexport Chief Alexander Mikheyev said on Thursday. "The S-400 deliveries have strengthened not only Turkey’s air defense system but also the strategic partnership of both countries. We have full mutual trust. Rosoboronexport plans to maximally broaden contacts with the Turkish side in implementing mutually advantageous projects, including in the field of rotorcraft-making, combat aviation and air defense systems," Mikheyev said. Russia and Turkey are continuing their negotiations on organizing the licensed production of some S-400 parts on the territory of Turkey, the Rosoboronexport chief said. "Now we are holding negotiations on continuing cooperation on this issue, including organizing the licensed production of some parts of the system in Turkey," he said. Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation reported earlier on Thursday that the first stage of delivering S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to Ankara was over. Rostec Head Sergei Chemezov said on July 18 that Russia was ready to deliver generation 4++ Su-35 fighter jets to Turkey, if Ankara displayed interest. The first reports about the talks between Russia and Turkey on the deliveries of S-400 air defense missile systems emerged in November 2016. Russia confirmed in September 2017 that the relevant contract worth $2.5 billion had been signed. Under the contract, Ankara will get a regiment set of S-400 air defense missile systems (two battalions). The deal also envisages partial transfer of production technology to the Turkish side. Turkey is the first NATO member state to purchase such air-defense missile systems from Russia. The deliveries of S-400 air defense systems to Turkey began on July 12, 2019. The United States and NATO have been making attempts to prevent Turkey from purchasing Russia's S-400 missile systems. Washington has warned on many occasions that it may impose sanctions on Turkey, if Ankara presses ahead with the S-400 deal. On July 17, the press secretary of the US White House said in a written statement that Turkey’s decision to acquire Russian-made S-400 air defense missile systems rendered Ankara’s further participation in the US program of creating F-35 fighter-bombers impossible. The S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range missiles, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km. Read more