Erdogan Does Not Rule Out Purchasing Fighters from Russia if the U.S. Refuses to Supply F-35s

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has not ruled out purchasing fighter jets from Russia if the United States refuses to supply them with American F-35 fighters.  

This statement was made by Erdogan to reporters today, as reported by En Son Haber agency. “When we bought the C-400 systems, we didn’t ask permission from anyone, so if we decide, we will buy them,” said the Turkish president in response to a journalist's question about purchasing Russian fighters.

“If the issue with the F-35 is not resolved, we will take necessary steps,” added Erdogan.

On October 25, Turkish Daily Sabah reported that Ankara and Moscow are close to reaching an agreement on the supply of 36 Su-35 fighters. According to the newspaper, the parties may also agree that Turkey will produce some components of Russian aircraft in the future.

On October 22, Dmitry Shugayev, head of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, stated that negotiations with Turkey regarding the supply of Su-35 and Su-57 fighters are ongoing, but there is currently no talk of signing a contract.

On October 29, Turkey's Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar denied information that Ankara is preparing to purchase fighters from Russia.