Russia, Azerbaijan to boost military-technical co-op
By Nigar Orujova
Azerbaijan is working on the production and modernization of a number of weapons and military equipment produced in Russia.
The two sides are negotiating over joint modernization of T-72 tanks. In addition, Azerbaijan is interested in intelligence and attack helicopters Ka-52 "Alligator".
Deputy Director of Marketing of Rosoboronexport Sergei Goreslavsky said that the organization and creation of service centers for models of weapons supplied earlier is actively discussed.
"Rosoboronexport" is a leading corporation in Russia in the field of engineering. It includes more than 600 companies.
Goreslavsky made the remarks on the sidelines of first Azerbaijan International Defense Industry Exhibition "ADEX 2014".
Azerbaijan and other participants showcased their latest achievement in the military sector at the three-day event, which kicked off on September 11.
Congratulating Azerbaijan on holding the first ADEX-2014 exhibition, Goreslavsky stressed that Rosoboronexport attaches great importance to the military-technical cooperation with Baku.
He went on to note that the success of the show was certain, as it is the only international exhibition in the Caucasus.
According to him, Russia's companies, Rosoboronexport and Russian Technologies, always take part in all the major international military exhibitions.
Rosoboronexport" was the only foreign company that brought full-scale samples of their technologies to the exhibition, one of which was combat scout Ka-52.
Russia also introduced the "Russian Helicopters", "Uralvagonzavod", and tactical missile weapons at ADEX-2014.
Goreslavsky noted that grand presentation was held for local partners of aeronautical engineering with a focus on the Ka-52 and other Russian-made helicopters and aircraft.
"In particular, we have great expectations for the promotion on this market combat training aircraft Yak-130. According to preliminary estimates of your experts, this aircraft is of a unique interest for aviation of Azerbaijan," he said.
Azerbaijan already possesses Mi-35M and Mi-15V-5.
"Ka-52 can be added to this line-up of helicopters," he said.
"Currently we are experiencing the impact of sanctions imposed by the Western countries, and pursue a substitution policy where it is appropriate. However, this does not apply to the Ka-52 and many other weapons systems that are in service of the Russian army. Originally, the principle was that all components must be manufactured in Russia. Therefore, we are not dependent on external supplies for our own army. This would be a very good purchase, specially for Azerbaijan, that will be actually independent in this regard, taking into account the partnership and strategic relations between Baku and Moscow," Goreslavsky stressed.
In general, agreements were reached with Azerbaijan for the supply of tanks T-90, BMP-3, BTR-82A, flamethrower systems of various types and other military equipment.
"We look forward to continue our cooperation, as it started very successfully and developed dynamically, " he said.
The company previously signed some contracts with Azerbaijan to deliver T-90, BMP-3, BTR-82A tanks, heavy flamethrower system, self-propelled artillery system MSTA, and helicopters Mi-35M, as well as other military equipment, he said.
Earlier, adviser to the general director of Rosoboronexport Esen Topoev said that discussions are underway on organization and creation of service centers for repairing Russian military equipment earlier supplied to Azerbaijan.
"The licensed production of certain types of military products is organized in Azerbaijan," he said.
A light anti-tank grenade launcher production unit is almost ready to come on stream. Moreover, implementation of the contract for licensed production of AK-74M is in full swing.