Erdogan went to Sochi, Russia, on Sept. 29 for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We had the opportunity to discuss comprehensively what steps to take in the production of plane engines, what steps to take regarding fighter jets," Erdogan said of the meeting, adding that other measures could include building ships and submarines.
Erdogan is no fool - he realizes that his country cannot rely on US protections when all hell breaks loose. Even though USA still has about 500 soldiers and a number of A10 attack airplanes the Turkish gov't can see that USA has lost its nerve. Turkey is strategically important because of their maritime (warm water) ports...given the near proximity of Turkey to Russia it makes sense for Erdogan to make nice with Putin...USA? no longer a reliable ally to Turkey.