Belarus seeks “systematic” cooperation with Russian aircraft manufacturer

February 3, BPN. Belarus would like its companies to participate in a Russian aircraft manufacturing program on a systematic basis, Belarusian Prime Minister Raman Hałoŭčanka has told reporters in Ulyanovsk.

“Ulyanovsk is a special region within Russia. Very large enterprises are concentrated here,” the prime minister said, according to a video disseminated by the press office of the Council of Ministers. “Today we visited one of them, an aircraft manufacturer. Cooperation in the aircraft industry is progressing very dynamically. We, too, have three large aviation enterprises that have dived deep into production of units, assemblies and parts for Russian parent companies.”

According to Hałoŭčanka, enhanced cooperation was discussed during talks with Ulyanovsk Governor Aleksey Russkikh, as Russia has “a very extensive aircraft manufacturing program.”

“There is a relevant edict of the Russian President [Vladimir Putin]. There is a state program that clearly describes how many units, of what kind and in what timeframe should be manufactured. This is a major operation, and Belarusian companies should get involved in it on a systematic basis. Perhaps some additional equipment is needed to keep up with the pace,” the prime minister said.

He added that during the meeting, a decision was made to draft a “systematic document.” “We will now consider what form this program should take, but there is no doubt that it will be launched,” Hałoŭčanka concluded.

Ulyanovsk is home to the Aviastar aircraft factory, part of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation. The factory is under sanctions imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.