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August 18, 2011

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Putin says aircraft a priority for Russia

RUSSIAN Prime Minister Vladimir Putin vowed yesterday to keep the development of national aerospace industries a top priority for his government.

Putin was speaking at Moscow's International Aviation and Space Show at the Zhukovsky air base outside the capital, saying that supporting aircraft makers will be an "absolute strategic priority."

The show features Russia's state-of-the-art planes. Boeing, Airbus and other international aircraft makers have also sent their latest products to the event.

Putin hailed Russia's latest aircraft designs, including its first stealth fighter, the T-50.

"They represent the achievements of today's Russia, the efforts of our experts, who are reviving and developing the best traditions of Russian aviation and space industries," he said.

The T-50 closely resembles the United States' F-22 Raptor it's intended to match. The Russian fighter made its maiden flight in January 2010, but was kept out of the public eye before its debut in Putin's presence yesterday.

The T-50 still lacks new engines and state-of-the art equipment, and its serial production is only expected to begin in 2015 at the earliest. Two T-50s are currently undergoing tests, and another pair is expected to join them later this year.

Russia has signed deals with India to cooperate on the aircraft's development, and hopes the Indian air force will become a major customer.

The only other new aircraft designed and built after the Soviet collapse has been Sukhoi's Superjet, a mid-range airliner developed with Boeing and Italian and French companies. Other Russian combat and civilian planes at Zhukovsky are upgraded Soviet-era designs.

The show is expected to attract 793 companies from 40 countries.

Currently, aviation equipment and air defense account for more than 50 percent of deliveries by Rosoboronexport, the state agency for military exports.

"This year, we have worked with our traditional partners - India and China. We are increasing partnership with Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar. Moreover, we look quite optimistically at cooperation with a few African countries. Russia has points of growth, and we are switching to action," said Alexander Mikheev, the agency's deputy director.

 

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