June 16, 2010 - 21:33 AMT
Russia ready to participate in tender to offer Turkey S-300 and S-400 surface-to-air missile systems

Russia is ready to participate in a tender to offer Turkey S-300 and S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, the state-controlled arms exporter said on Wednesday.

"The Turkish military has a great need for S-300 and S-400 long-range missile defense systems," Rosoboronexport CEO Anatoly Isaikin said. "Russia has expressed readiness to participate in a tender for the delivery of such systems."

He said leading SAM manufacturers from Western countries would participate in the tender "on a par with Russia." He gave no indication as to what specific SAM modifications would be offered or the timeframe for the tender.

Turkish military experts have said Ankara is interested in the Russian missiles, which could effectively protect the country's southern borders, RIA Novosti reported.