OREANDA-NEWSTurkey is interested in acquiring Russian air defense systems of various ranges and anti-tank complexes, head of Rostec Sergey Chemezov said on Monday shortly after the start of supplies of S-400 complexes to Turkey. "Turkey is interested in Russian air defense systems of various ranges and anti-tank systems", he said in an interview with a local news agency.

In addition, according to him, Moscow and Ankara continue negotiations on the "possibility of producing some S-400 components in Turke". The head of Rostec recalled that Russia and Turkey are already conducting a number of projects in the defense industry, among them the production of systems for modern aircraft and helicopters, components for armored vehicles, as well as after-sales service for some types of weapons.

The long-awaited supply of the latest air defense systems, which caused a crisis in relations between Turkey and the United States, began in mid-July. Washington demanded to abandon the deal and in exchange to purchase American Patriot complexes, threatening to delay or cancel the sale of the newest F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. However, Ankara refused to make concessions.

The contract for the supply of four C-400 divisions worth $ 2.5 billion was concluded in 2017. Turkey will pay part of the deal on S-400 itself, and part of it - at the expense of a Russian loan. According to the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Yuri Borisov, the contract provides for an option after the main part of the delivery is completed.

In addition, Russia is ready to supply Turkey with the Su-35, if Ankara has such a desire, Sergey Chemezov, head of the Rostec state corporation, told reporters on Thursday. Earlier, the United States announced a decision to exclude Turkey from the program of supplying the latest F-35 fighter aircraft after the start of deliveries of Russian C-400 air defense systems to the country.