However, these are traditional markets. The Russians need to expand. Consequently, organisers were delighted to see representatives from General Dynamics, maker of the M1 battle tank, take a keen interest in the Russian arena tank protection system. Any such sale would, of course, have conditions attached. Russia wants access to the NATO market.
Turkey is a prime target for trade expansion.
This would provide both a technology transfer as well as effective protection against SCUD missiles. Russia is currently engaged in similar joint ventures with Israel. The Russians are hoping the Americans will conclude that the friend of my friends is a friend. Despite the inroads the Kremlin has made within Israel and Turkey, the Americans are still resistant. He said old MiGs could not be deployed in any NATO action.