Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar says Ankara sees an improvement in talks with the United States over the purchase of Russian S-400 defense systems and U.S. F-35 fighter jets, but also preparing for potential U.S. sanctions.

Speaking to reporters, Akar said that Turkey was fulfilling its responsibilities in the F-35 project and that Ankara expected the program to continue as planned.

He said talks with U.S. officials were still underway.