Saudi Arabia is interested in buying Russian S-400 air defense systems, Russian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Oleg Ozerov told Sputnik.

“This has been stated by Saudi Arabian representatives themselves when they visited multiple exhibitions, presentations and shows where Russia showcased these systems, such the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX in Abu Dhabi and events organized in Russia, so there is nothing new here, there is an interest,” Ozerov said.

Military and technical cooperation between the two countries may well increase in due time, he added, noting that the given contacts on the matter are not usually publicized.

Saudi Arabia first indicated an interest in Russian S-400 Triumf systems at the Dubai Airshow 2015, according to the Head of Russia’s Rostec corporation, Sergei Chemezov. Both sides have held talks on supplying the systems to Riyadh.

Meanwhile, the Russian Aerospace Forces have received a new regimental set of the S-400 Triumf air defense system, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.

“The missile combat crew that arrived in Kapustin Yar [range] from Moscow Region in high interference signaling environment conducted live firing exercises from S-400 Triumf missile systems, and hit all target missiles with high accuracy,” the Ministry said.

It added that the system is being loaded onto railway platforms to head to their permanent bases in Moscow Region.

The S-400 Triumph is a mobile surface-to-air missile system, which integrates a multi-functional radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, anti-aircraft missile systems, launchers, and a command and control center. It is capable of firing three types of missiles that can hit aerial targets at short-to-extremely long ranges.