Turkey and Ukraine’s biggest defense firms have started negotiations that will most likely end up in a cooperation deal for tank modernization programs.

Turkish Aselsan and Ukraine’s Ukroboronprom are exploring ways to undertake joint programs designed to upgrade tanks.

The cooperation will later expand into upgrading artillery and personnel carriers, one Aselsan official said.

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The Turkish-Ukrainian talks came at a time when Russia, Turkey’s top trade partner and main natural gas supplier, became both countries’ foe.

Military electronics specialist Aselsan announced Nov. 30 that it signed a contract with the Turkish government to produce and deliver an indigenous system designed to protect tanks and armored vehicles from anti-tank rockets and missiles.