There are no military or political restrictions for the joint production of S-400 (NATO code: SA-21 Growler) air defense missile systems with Turkey or the transfer of the relevant technologies, Russian President Vladimir Putin said after the talks with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This is a purely commercial issue, Putin added.

5P85T2 S-400 Triumph air defence system TEL transporter erector launcher (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)

"The issue on the joint production and the technology transfer is not a matter of trust or any political cooperation for us. It is a purely commercial matter discussed by the economic entities," the Russian president said. "We have no military and political considerations and restrictions concerning this matter," he added.

According to Putin, various issues, including the expansion of military and technical cooperation, were discussed during the top-level talks in Ankara.

Commenting on Russia’s decision to speed up the delivery of S-400 systems to Turkey, the Russian president said that this had been done "at the request of our Turkish partners and friends." "We have expedited the production and agreed on the prices, which is extremely important," he added.

"Naturally, we discussed military and technical cooperation between Russia and Turkey, in particular, the implementation of the contract for the delivery of S-400 air defense missile systems to Turkey. We have decided to expedite the supplies of these highly-effective Russian-made defense systems," Putin said.

In addition to the purchase of S-400 air defense missile systems, Turkey may agree on other defense projects with Russia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan replied. "We have agreed on the S-400 deal. As concrete steps are being taken on that matter, we can cooperate on other issues concerning the defense industry," he added.