Turkey is reportedly in talks with Russia to buy advanced S-400 long range air defense missile systems, Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik confirmed on Friday.

"As of missile defense, work is continuing. We are negotiating on S-400 not only with Russia but with other countries that have similar systems. Russia's position on this issue now is positive," Isi told Turkey's NTV.

Like Us on Facebook

Undersecretary of Defense Industries Ismail Demir on Tuesday said Turkey is willing to work with "any interested party" including Russia and China to develop its long-range air defense capabilities.

"We have already made clear that we will be in cooperation with countries and companies that would lend support to us throughout this process," Demir said.

Turkey has allocated $3.4 billion to develop its domestic long-range anti-missile shield, according to RT.

Last year, Turkey has canceled its 2013 anti-ballistic missile system tender, in which Russia's S-400 system competed with US-made Patriot PAC-3, European SAMP/T Aster 30, and China's FD-2000 systems. However, it quickly clarified that although the tender was cancelled, the project is still alive.

The deal was cancelled after Ankara and Beijing reportedly failed to agree on the transfer of technology. The contract also triggered concern from other NATO members over compatibility issues and potential ramification of Turkey's contribution to the alliance, the RT reported.

Meanwhile, Turkey lacks a hardware of its own; thus, it has to depend on other NATO members for anti-missile protection. Last year, Turkey was angered after the US withdrew its Patriot missiles from its border with Syria.

"We hope that NATO member states would take this seriously, and our system will be compatible with the alliance's requirements. But we do not in any way reject the Russian proposal, and are actively working on it," Isik said, adding that Turkey's ultimate goal is to domestically manufacture these systems.

The S-400 is Russia's next-generation air defense system. It carries three different types of missiles that could track and destroy all aerial targets from short-to-extremely-long range, including ballistics and cruise missiles, the Defense World reported. 

TagsTurkey defense missile system, S-400 air defense, S-400 missile, Russia Turkey deal