Turkey says in negotiations with Russia to buy S-400 anti-missile systems

Turkey has made progress in its negotiations with Russia to purchase Russia's S-400 long-range air defense missile systems, Turkish defense minister said on Wednesday.

"We had discussions with various countries over our urgent need. Russia's S-400 missile systems seem to be the most possible in discussions," Defense Minister Fikri Isik said in a televised interview with private news channel NTV.

"Certain progress achieved in talks, but we are not at the stage of signature yet," he addd.

There is a schedule in negotiations, the minister said, without giving further details.

When asked about other NATO members states' concerns, Isik said, "I think they will understand. Some NATO countries also have non-NATO systems."

He also revealed that Turkey had launched a new program, which would focus on the country's own air defense systems.

On Tuesday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said negotiations with Russia for the S-400 air defense missile system were "continuing positively."

NATO member Turkey chose China as a preferred bidder in 2013, but the move prompted U.S. concern about security and the compatibility of the weaponry with systems of the alliance.

In 2015, the Turkish government scrapped its 3.44 billion U.S. dollars program for a long-range air and anti-missile defense system.

Source: Xinhua