Su-57 Turkish Air Force

Sputnik reported May 2018 that that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had expressed interest in the Su-57 if Washington declined to sell Ankara F-35s — something it has done as punishment for Turkey's purchase of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems. "We have clearly warned Turkey that its potential acquisition of the S-400 would result in reassessment of Turkey's participation in the F-35 program, and risk other potential future arms transfers to Turkey, as well as lead to potential actions under Countering America's Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) upon any government entities, private industry or individuals involved in such a transaction," a US State Department official told Sputnik 01 April 2019.

Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Chimezov announced 04 May 2019 that his country is ready to sell the S-57 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, as well as the joint production of the fighter if Turkey is excluded from the F-35 program with the United States. In response to a question about the possibility of production of S-400 and S-57 rocket batteries in Turkey, he said that Russia would "gladly evaluate" any Turkish proposals to resettle or transfer the technologies. He said that his country was willing to support Turkey's desire to develop its defense industry.

The Russian official praised Turkey's insistence on the implementation of the deal to buy a system of missiles, "S 400" Russian, despite the unprecedented pressure on it. He said Turkey's failure to yield to pressure from its partners showed the independence of the foreign policy of the government and the Turkish president, adding that the deal was important for both Moscow and Ankara. He spoke of his country's readiness to cooperate with Turkey in the development of the Russian S-500 air defense system, a system of the fifth generation, stressing that both countries have the ability to contribute to such a project. He said Rostek wanted to establish long-term cooperation with Turkey in the field of defense as well as in civilian technologies such as helicopter manufacturing. He pointed out that TAI produces helicopter components that Russian companies can use.

The Russian News Agency said on 27 August 2019 that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Erdogan jointly attended the opening ceremony of the Moscow Airlines. Putin said in a speech: "I welcome the participants and guests of the Moscow Air Show. First of all, our dear friend, President Erdogan of the Republic of Turkey. I believe that all foreign partners, including the Turkish delegation, will be on the Russian aviation industry. Achievements and interest in Russian aviation technology. This will open up new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. The world's focus on the Moscow Air Show is recognition of Russia's high-tech and export potential, as well as its unique aircraft manufacturing tradition." Later, Erdogan visited the air show and watched the Su-57 and Su-35 fighters. The presidents of the two countries also climbed the ladder and watched the cockpit of the Su-57. Erdogan became the first foreign leader to watch the Su-57 cockpit. When President Erdogan inquired during the tour about the purchase and availability of Su-57 Putin said: "You can buy."

Ankara was in discussion with Moscow over the purchase of Russian fighter jets, Dmitry Shugayev, chief of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation said. Shugayev added that he would hold talks with the head of Turkey's Presidency of Defence Industries Ismail Demir. Speaking at the MAKS 2019 International Aviation and Space Salon on Tuesday, Shugayev said that they would "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." Turkey's foreign minister said on 28 August 2019 that Ankara needed warplanes and if it does not get F-35 fighter jets, the country would look for alternatives. Mevlut Cavusoglu's comments came a day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended to an aviation show, MAKS-2019, in Moscow where he inspected Russian latest fifth generation SU-57 fighter jet.

Erdogan confirmed that Ankara is in talks with Moscow to buy Su-57 fighter aircraft. He added that he believed there would be more business with Russia in future. "Negotiations [on Su-57] are underway, and they will continue. Representatives of our ministries remain in Russia after the MAKS-2019, and they are working there. We will be acting, having put on the negotiating table our conditions on loans and joint production. If the United States does not change its stand [on delivering F-35 destroyers], we will look for a way out of the situation", Erdogan told reporters. The statement comes after the Russian Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation reported that Erdogan also expressed interest in Russia's newest MiG-35 fighter jet, as well as discussing the possible purchase of Russian Su-35 or Su-57 fighters.

In an interview with RIA Novosti in March 2021, Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Mustafa Varank announced the continuing interest in the Su-57E and Su-35. “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 Varank.

Commenting on the statement of the Turkish minister, the press secretary of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Valeria Reshetnikova stressed that Moscow is ready for a dialogue on this issue. “With regard to potential plans for Ankara to purchase Russian Su-35 and Su-57 fighters, it is worth noting that the Turkish side is fully informed about their technical specifications. If there is an application from Turkey for these aircraft, then we are ready for negotiations on this issue, "Reshetnikova explained.

Experts explain the slowness of Ankara by investing significant resources in the development of its own project of the fifth generation fighter TF-X . If this development drags on or fails, then Turkey is likely to buy Russian cars, analysts say. Another incentive for concluding a contract with Moscow, RT interlocutors, call the exclusion of Ankara from the F-35 program at the initiative of the United States.