Russia looks at supplying Russian jets to Turkey

ANKARA

Russia has signaled a willingness to sell Russian-made war planes to Turkey if the United States halts delivery of F-35 fighter jets.

Alexander Mikheev, head of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, said on April 24 that Russia is ready to discuss the possibility, according to Interfax news agency.

“If the Turkish side applies to us for consultations, we will be ready to consult with the Russian United Aircraft Company within the scope of our possibilities,” he said.

The U.S. announced on March 28 that it had suspended the delivery of the F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets to Turkey over Ankara’s plans to buy Russia’s S-400 surface-to-air missile system.

The first two F-jets were delivered to Turkey in June, and Turkish pilots started training at the Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. Earlier this month, Turkey received two more F-35 jets. Currently, Turkish pilots continue their training, and the jets will be deployed to Malatya air base in Turkey by November.

Meanwhile, National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on April 23 said Turkey was unfazed by U.S. threats and had a Plan B in case the U.S. continues to block F-35 deliveries and terminates the deal.

“We have short-term, medium-term and long-term plans”, Akar said.