Delivery of S-400 Second Batch to Turkey to be Delayed

Delivery of a second batch of Russian S-400 missile defense systems may be delayed beyond a planned 2020 timeline over talks on technology sharing and joint production.

"The delivery of a second batch of Russian S-400s may be delayed beyond a planned 2020 timeline over talks on technology sharing and joint production. The delivered S-400 systems are currently being deployed," Ismail Demir, the head of Turkey’s Defense Industry Directorate, was quoted as saying by NTV on Monday.

After S-400 deal fructified and shipment began, the US refused to sell F-35 stealth jets to its NATO-ally, because of issues concerning with "security" of the plane. The US also kicked out Ankara from the F-35 program and suspended training of Turkish pilots of the F-35.

Demir added that Turkish authorities are studying a Russian proposal for the supply of fighter jets, a move Hulusi Akar, Turkey's defense minister, recently rejected.

"It needs to be evaluated from a financial, technical and strategic point of view," Demir said.

However, before Akar denied reports of Ankara picking Russian jets, Dmitry Shugaev, head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, announced that consultations were underway on the possible supply of Su-35 and Su-57 fighters.