According to Russian state-owned Rostec's head, Sergey Chemezov, Russia is ready to cooperate to sell Turkey Su-57 fighter jets, if Turkey's participation in the US F-35 jet programme fell through.

Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet (Picture Source : Russian MoD)

“These fifth-generation Russian fighter jets [Su-57] have outstanding qualities, and show promise for export,” he told Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency, adding that the jets were ready to be sold.

Asked about possible production in Turkey of the S-400 and Su-57, Chemezov said Russia would “gladly evaluate” any Turkish suggestions for localization or transfer of technologies.

Emphasizing Turkey’s progress since the early 2000s to replace imports in its defence industry, he said the country was highly competent in producing rifle armaments, armoured vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles. “We are ready to support Turkey’s desire to develop its own defence industry,” added Chemezov.

Turkey is the first NATO country to sign a contract for the Russian S-400 missile defence system, said the head of the Russian company for export-oriented defence and civilian industries.

The fact that Turkey does not yield to pressure from its partners demonstrates the independence of its foreign policy as pursued by the country’s government and president, he added.

“We signed the contract for the S-400s in 2017, and before the end of this year, we plan to conclude all deliveries,” Chemezov said, adding that the deal was significant for both Moscow and Ankara.

He also said Russia invited the prospect of cooperation with Turkey in the development of the next generation air defence system - the S-500 project. “The S-500s are currently under development and will be a Russian state-of-the-art air defence system without equal throughout the world,” he said emphasizing that both countries had the capacity to contribute to such a project.