Lukashenko: Belarus is interested in joint aircraft production with Russia

Aircraft manufacturing was highlighted as a key area of industrial cooperation between the two countries in recent years. Ulyanovsk Oblast houses the Aviastar plant, which is renowned as one of Russia’s largest aircraft production facilities.

Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested intensifying cooperation in this area and engaging domestic enterprises to carry out more work.

“Get us more involved in aircraft manufacturing. We have the foundation and the expertise. Help us with technological equipment, and we will be a great asset to you. We won’t build a plane ourselves – you should do that. But slowly bring us into the areas where we can do something for you,” the head of state said.

The president noted that Belarus has been repairing aircraft and armored vehicles since the Soviet era. “But it is time to move from repairs to production. We are already doing a lot, making parts and components for you. We are eager to modernize production and deepen our integration. We are ready to manufacture jointly with Russia – the Osvey aircraft project is underway. We will engage in production together,” the Belarusian leader said.

In turn, the governor of the Russian region confirmed that cooperation in aircraft manufacturing had significantly intensified recently, in particular between the Aviastar enterprise and the Belarusian 558th Aircraft Repair Plant and Minsk Civil Aviation Plant No. 407. “We are building more planes every year, and your 558th and 407th plants are a huge help,” Aleksey Russkikh noted. “We are keen to see this partnership grow year after year.”

“Of course, this was preceded by a vast amount of work to enable them to start supplying components. But we have overcome all barriers, and now cooperation is only increasing,” he stated.