A Russian Su-35 fighter jet was in Istanbul during the September 17-22 week, where it took part in the Teknofest Istanbul Aerospace and Technology Festival. According to Russian media, the fighter jet made its way to Turkey independently, landing at the closed Atatürk Aiport, where the airshow was held.

In August, after a visit to an air show in Russia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed that Turkey may opt to buy a Russian fighter for its air force in place of the F-35.

On August 27, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov told reporters that Turkey shows a genuine interest in Russian military equipment, namely, Su-35 fighter jets.

“We have shown all our equipment at face value, the choice is theirs, they have shown a genuine interest,” he said in response to a question on whether Turkey is interested in Russian military equipment.

Turkey has been at odds with the United States over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems, which Washington says are not compatible with NATO defenses and poses a threat to Lockheed Martin’s F-35 ‘stealth’ fighter jets.

The United States has also expelled Turkey from the F-35 program.

Reporter’s code: 50101