Turkey Cannot Confirm Plans to Purchase Su-57 Jets Instead of F-35

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Turkish media reports about possible purchase of Russian Su-57 fighters instead of US F-35 jets are based on experts' opinion and do not reflect the official position of Ankara, a source in the secretariat of the Turkish defense industry told Sputnik.
On Sunday, the Yeni Safak media outlet reported Turkey may purchase Su-57 jets if the United States blocks deliveries of F-35 planes because of Ankara's decision to buy Russian S-400 air defense systems.
"The reports are based on experts' opinions. We cannot confirm that. Such publications do not reflect the official government's position yet," the source said.
© Sputnik / Grigory Sysoyev
Turkey May Buy Russian Su-57 Jets, If Delivery of F-35 Jets Suspended - Reports
In December 2017, Russia and Turkey signed a loan agreement to supply S-400 air defense systems to Ankara. According to a statement by the Turkish defense industry secretariat, two S-400 batteries will be operated and serviced by the Turkish military.
In mid-April, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell said Ankara's purchase of the S-400 air defense missile systems from Russia could negatively affect the delivery of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. In addition, a group of senators comprising both Republicans and Democrats wants to block the supply of F-35s to Ankara due to the arrest of US Pastor Andrew Brunson, who is being tried on charges of aiding terrorist groups.
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