Turkey does not exclude the possibility of buying Russian Su-35 and Su-57 fighters, but the priority is to develop its own fifth-generation fighters, Mustafa Varank, Minister of Industry and Technology of the republic, told RIA Novosti.
“If Russia has an aircraft that meets our current needs, if there are no difficulties with its introduction into our system and its launch, then, of course, we can buy it from Russia or from another country in Europe. In this sense, we do not have any categorical antagonistic position”, – said the agency’s interlocutor, answering a question about the possibility of Turkey buying Su-35 and Su-57.
According to him, these issues are often raised at the meetings of the leaders of the two countries.
“Of course, our priority is, first of all, the development of Turkey’s own capabilities in the development of fifth generation fighters. But if Russia has an aircraft that meets our needs and objectives, Turkey will acquire it”, – Varank added.
Su-57 (formerly PAK FA, experimental name T-50) is a Russian fifth generation fighter designed to destroy all types of air, ground and surface targets.
According to the developers, the combination of high maneuverability with the ability to perform supersonic flight, as well as a modern complex of onboard equipment and low visibility, provide the Su-57 with superiority over competitors.
The plane first flew in 2010. The contract for the supply of the Russian Aerospace Forces 76 Su-57 was signed at the Army-2019 forum. The first production vehicle for the Russian army was delivered in 2020.