Cooperation between Ukraine and Azerbaijan in AN-178 production will establish the model of UkrOboronProm working relationship with other countries. This was stated by Director General of the State Concern Roman Romanov, commenting on the statement of the President of Ukraine in his briefing in Baku in the framework of the official visit to Azerbaijan.
“One of the most promising projects is supplying Azerbaijan with Ukrainian An-178 and future joint production, including on the territory of Azerbaijan. Successful implementation of this project will allow Ukrainian manufacturers creating conditions for active development of new markets”, Petro Poroshenko said.
“Cooperation between our SE “Antonov” and Azerbaijan company “Silk Way Airlines LCC” involves production of AN-178 in Ukraine, as well as a transfer of technology to the customer’s country. This model is beneficial to all parties. In future, we will use this co-operation scheme with other countries”, Roman Romanov added.
According to him, Ukraine will produce the first two aircraft for Azerbaijan. Other 8 – according to the order – will be manufactured in accordance with one of the 4 options of cooperation that is being agreed by the parties.
UkrOboronProm created aircraft cluster – Ukrainian Aircraft Corporation. SE “Antonov” will become the basis of the country’s aircraft production capacity, consolidated by the State Concern. PJSC “Ukrainian Research Institute of Aviation Technology”, SE “Novator”, SE “Kharkiv Machinery Plant “FED”, SE “Kharkiv Aggregate Design Bureau”, PJSC “Plant “Mayak” also joined the Corporation. These are the first enterprises of the aircraft cluster, soon after, the cluster will significantly expand.
Aircraft cluster will turn Ukrainian aviation industry into a powerful mechanism of coordinated development, deeply integrated into the global market, implementing international standards. Enterprises of aircraft cluster will cooperate with partners from the private sector, factories that are not part of the State Concern. This will speed up import substitution process, giving new impetus to scientific and technological development and development of the national economy in general.
A year ago the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine decided to transfer the management of SE “Antonov” to SC “UkrOboronProm.” As a part of the State Concern, “Antonov” fulfilled import substitution program, expanded the range of foreign partners, developed new aircraft AN-132, launched the development of domestic unmanned aircraft complex, and received the order from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. (UkrOboronProm/Business World Magazine)