Lukashenko visited the Irkutsk Aviation Plant. The enterprise aims to expand cooperation with Belarus
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko visited the Irkutsk Aviation Plant (IAZ) on June 5, BELTA correspondent reports.
At the plant, the head of state familiarized himself with the stages of military aviation equipment production (which, incidentally, also produces aircraft for the Belarusian Air Force), and the assembly of the MS-21 passenger liner. The enterprise's management provided the President of Belarus with detailed information on the products manufactured and promising developments.
The Irkutsk Aviation Plant aims to expand production cooperation with Belarusian aviation enterprises. Therefore, the topic of implementing joint projects in aircraft manufacturing, similar to how Belarus and Russia cooperate in machine tool manufacturing and microelectronics, became the main focus during the head of state's visit.
"They want to do it on the basis of Belarus - we need to get started and do it," Alexander Lukashenko supported the development of cooperative ties.
First and foremost, this concerns the development of passenger and transport technologies. Belarusians are already assisting their Russian partners by supplying components, repairing, and modernizing aviation equipment, but the prospects are much broader. The President of Belarus proposed that the enterprise's management identify new niches and start working without delay.
"I need the latest technologies, meaning we want to be integrated into your high-tech processes. And this should be ours together - Belarus and Russia should not divide. As we often say, the Union State's product. Let's equalize the rights of Belarusian and Russian goods so that there are no problems. And then the talk about who is absorbing whom and uniting will disappear. The economy will absorb everything," said the head of state.
At the plant, Alexander Lukashenko was presented with a model of a Su-30SM2 fighter jet.
"My favorite aircraft," the President stated.
"The most important thing is its high maneuverability," noted the General Director of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, Alexander Veprev.
The United Aircraft Corporation is implementing an import substitution program and increasing production rates. In this regard, the development of cooperation with Belarusian enterprises is gaining even greater importance.
"It is planned to establish closer interaction with Belarusian manufacturers, including increasing the volume of supplies of aviation components, assemblies, and units," the plant told reporters.
The possibility of creating sites in Belarus for the repair and maintenance of Russian aircraft supplied to the republic is also being worked out.
The Irkutsk Aviation Plant is considered one of the high-tech, science-intensive, and dynamically developing enterprises of the Russian aviation industry. Since 1932, the plant has produced about 7,000 aircraft of more than 20 types, which were supplied to 40 countries. The plant's capabilities allow for a full cycle of work, including design and technological preparation for the production of new aviation equipment, tooling manufacturing, production of experimental and serial aircraft, their ground and flight tests, and after-sales service.
The basis of the current production program of IAZ includes Su-30MK and Su-30SM multi-purpose fighters, new-generation Yak-130 combat trainers, components for passenger aircraft, and a major overhaul program for previously manufactured aircraft is being implemented. Preparations are underway for the serial production of the new Yak-152 training aircraft, and the serial production of the promising MS-21 family passenger liner is being launched.
Source: belta.by