Moscow. August 22. INTERFAX - When will mass production of attack drones begin in Russia, will a new "doomsday plane" be created and what are the prospects for the supply of S-400 systems to Belarus, Denis Manturov, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, told Interfax columnist Ekaterina Maltseva in an interview.
- Denis Valentinovich, how many planes and helicopters are planned to be built in 2021?
- The aircraft manufacturer-UAC-plans to supply about 30 passenger aircraft this year. But we must understand that these plans can be adjusted by the situation on the air transportation market, including those related to the pandemic. I will not disclose plans for military aircraft. If we talk about helicopters, about 190 units will be produced in 2021.
- When will the first Tu-160M built from scratch start flight tests?
- Serial production of the new Tu-160 has already been launched at the plant in Kazan. We expect that the first such machine will be tested next year.
Let me remind you that at the same time, Tupolev is conducting a deep modernization of the combat Tu-160. The aircraft are equipped with new NK-32 engines of the second series produced by UEC, the on-board equipment has been upgraded, improving the characteristics of the basic machine. These vehicles are already being tested and will soon be transferred to the next stage of testing by specialists of the Ministry of Defense, including in conditions that best meet the real situation. After that, the upgraded aircraft will be transferred to the combat units of Long-range aviation.
- How are the work on the creation of a new strategic bomber PAK DA progressing? In your opinion, will it surpass the American competitor B-21 Raider in its characteristics?
- As planned, a complex of development works is being implemented. Together with the customer, the appearance of the aircraft was determined. In accordance with the contract and the consolidated schedule, the working design documentation is being gradually transferred to the manufacturer. At the production site itself, the aggregate assembly of prototypes is underway. Of course, we set the task of creating equipment that surpasses the capabilities of other countries ' equipment.
- Will there be a new "doomsday plane" in Russia to replace the Il-80?
- The Russian aviation industry can produce aircraft of all classes, including aircraft for this purpose. Work in this direction is underway. The customer of such special vehicles is the military department.
- Do you think Russia will be able to withstand competition in the global market of attack drones? Will it be possible to reduce the gap from other countries?
- Russia is a very strong player in this market, we have created the entire line of shock UAVs. Like our combat aircraft, combat drones are at the world level. We rely on the domestic scientific and technological school and tradition, we do not lag behind the United States, Israel, China and Turkey in this matter. At the same time, we create all the necessary conditions for the development of radio electronics and the electronic component base for this direction.
For example, the Kronstadt company, commissioned by the Russian Defense Ministry, was able to create the Orion UAV (Pacer), which is not inferior in its flight performance to the best foreign analogues. The complex is of interest abroad - we have already received official applications from a number of foreign partners. Currently, a pool of potential customers of Orion-E has been formed. The complex can be supplied in two versions: in reconnaissance and reconnaissance-strike execution-it depends on the needs and wishes of the customer.
I would like to draw your attention to the fact that a new modification of the Orion-E with a satellite data transmission channel was recently presented at the MILEX-2021 international defense exhibition in Minsk. Such a complex can transmit information from its boron equipment to the control point in real time from any distance without restrictions. On the basis of this project, Russia is ready to offer development directions that will even anticipate the trends in this class of aircraft in some ways.
- When will the Russian Federation be ready for mass production of heavy attack drones, in particular, the S-70 Hunter and Altius?
- The first batch of the Altius UAV is already in production, serial deliveries will begin at the end of this year. As for the S-70 "Hunter" - here we see the interest of the military department, we are preparing for the serial production of this drone, we are working on the issue of concluding a long-term contract next year.
- Is the conclusion of an agreement with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation on the ROC for a high-speed combat helicopter expected soon, or are these works being postponed for the time being?
- The Russian Helicopters Holding company is conducting preliminary work on a promising high-speed and transport-combat helicopter, according to the results of which the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation will decide on the conclusion of the contract.
- Will the Russian Federation continue to cooperate with Belarus to strengthen its armed forces, in particular, through the supply of S-400 air defense systems and Su-30SM aircraft?
- Russia and Belarus have long been linked by close allied relations. The countries are co-founding members of the Union State, the Customs Union and the Eurasian Economic Union, and also conduct military cooperation within the framework of the CSTO. In this regard, there are objectively plans for further improvement and strengthening of the air defense system of the Republic of Belarus, which is a member of the Union State. With this in mind, Belarus can also be supplied with such state-of-the-art air defense systems as the S-400, developed and manufactured by the enterprises of the Almaz-Antey Concern. As for the aircraft, at the end of 2019, four Su-30SM fighters were delivered to the Belarusian side. Thus, the 2017 contract between the Ministry of Defense of Belarus and Irkut Corporation can be considered fulfilled.
- When will the first batch of S-400s for India be ready for delivery to the customer? Will the coronavirus interfere with supplies?
- The work on this project is carried out in accordance with the contractual obligations of the Russian side and, of course, we will make every effort to deliver the contracted volumes on time and with proper quality.
- In what terms can contracts be signed with India for the purchase of 21 MiG-29 fighters, six Ka-31 helicopters, the modernization of 59 Indian MiG-29s and the production of 18 Su-30MKI aircraft under license?
- In 2021, a tender request was received from the headquarters of the Indian Air Force for the supply of an additional batch of MiG-29UPG fighters this year, as well as for the completion of existing aircraft in service. The commercial offer of the Russian side is currently being considered by the customer, we are waiting for a decision on it. The issue of supplying kits for the production of an additional batch of Su-30MKI aircraft requires some time to be worked out due to the need to include new aviation weapons and electronic equipment in their composition. As for helicopters, proposals for the supply of the Ka-31 have been sent to our Indian partners in 2020, and we are currently waiting for a decision on conducting contract negotiations.
