Turkey is open to alternatives to the Russian S-400 air defense systems, Defense Minister of Turkey Hulusi Akar said.

"Buying Russian weapons was not a choice but a necessity for Turkey, as attempts to buy air defense systems from allied countries failed," Akar told Bloomberg.

He said Turkey could find a way to buy such weapons from its allies in the future.

Turkey's purchase of S-400 in 2019 has worsened its relationship with the United States, which says it is inconsistent with its commitments as a NATO ally. Washington has excluded Turkey from its F-35 stealth fighter jet purchase program and imposed sanctions on its defense procurement agency. It threatened further measures if Turkey activated the system or purchased another batch.

According to Akar, Turkey has wanted to buy air defense systems since the 1990s and began working with the US and European countries to acquire them. "But unfortunately we have not been able to buy them," he said, adding that Turkey is in talks with France, Italy to buy air defense equipment.

Earlier this month, the United States discussed informally with Turkey the possibility of transferring its S-400s to Ukraine. In return, Washington would lift sanctions on Turkey's defense industry and remove it from the F-35 program. But Ankara said it would not discuss giving up the S-400.