Putin and Erdogan Discuss Military-Technical Cooperation between Russia and Turkey

Aug. 28, 2019 (EIRNS)—Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Russian President Vladimir Putin at Zhukovsky International Airport outside Moscow, yesterday, site of the Aug. 27-Sept. 1 MAKS 2019 airshow. Prior to their public statements, they spoke to astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Putin also gave Erdogan a tour of the airshow, including an Su-57 stealth fighter.

“We have shown you a series of various products, both military and civilian,” Putin said afterwards, according to the Kremlin transcript.

“They not only demonstrate Russia’s capability in aerospace but also offer a variety of cooperation opportunities. We know about Turkey’s high-tech development plans. Of course, we could join forces in the areas where our capabilities are especially strong and sought after.”

“Today we have taken a closer look at Russia’s defense industry,” Erdogan replied. “I would like to express satisfaction at the fact that today we also saw Russian-made engines for passenger liners, combat aircraft, helicopters, and other aviation equipment,” he said further, mentioning that he had seen aerial demonstrations of the Su-35 and Su-57 fighters and of the Mi-38 helicopter. “We want to continue our solidarity [with Russia] in many areas of the defense industry. It can be on passenger or fighter aircraft. The whole thing is the spirit of solidarity,” Erdogan said.

“Many things intrigued our Turkish partners and not only from a purchasing point of view but also from joint production angle. By the way, we are ready for this and will discuss certain directions,” Putin said. “Erdogan’s visit has been an opportunity to discuss joint perspective projects not only in aviation but also in other domains, such as the S-400.”

Dmitry Shugayev, director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, said he would hold talks Aug. 28 with the head of the Presidency of Defense Industries Ismail Demir, reported the Daily Sabah.

“We’ll continue discussing the topics on our agenda. We will move forward with the possible deliveries of the Su-35 or Su-57s, as great interest had been shown, but it’s too early to talk about contract negotiations. There is still no request [from Turkey], consultations should be held,”

Shugayev said.

Turkey has, in fact, been seeking a new supplier to reinforce its aging air force fleet, especially after being booted out of the F-35 program by the Trump Administration.