By Staff Correspondent
The Government of the Irkutsk Region and ROSOBORONEXPORT JSC, a subsidiary of Rostec State Corporation, inked a broad cooperation agreement. While in St. Petersburg for the XXVII International Economic Forum, the gathering took place. Igor Kobzev, Governor of the Irkutsk Region, and Alexander Mikheev, Director General of ROSOBORONEXPORT JSC, both signed the contract.
This agreement provides an update to the previous one from 2003 and lays out the groundwork for future interactions and cooperation between ROSOBORONEXPORT and the Irkutsk Region government. The new conditions aim to improve the production and technical capacities of the defence companies in the region and to increase exports of military, special, civilian, and dual-use products as part of Russia’s military-technical cooperation with other countries.
“Expanding partnerships with Russian regions is a key focus of ROSOBORONEXPORT’s operations.” Specifically, we are now engaged in active collaboration with the IAZ Irkutsk Aviation Plant, which is a prominent entity within the United Aviation Corporation and serves as a leading representative of the aviation industry in the Irkutsk Region. Alexander Mikheev, Director General of ROSOBORONEXPORT, stated that IAZ aircraft manufacturers, who will soon celebrate their 90th anniversary, have extensive expertise in design and production. This expertise has been recognized internationally, as IAZ products have been exported to 40 countries worldwide. Currently, the company is expanding its production capabilities and carrying out initiatives under the State Defence Order and Military Technical Cooperation. This involves upgrading and producing advanced Su-30 multipurpose fighters and Yak-130 instructional (fighting training) aircraft. Since 2001, around 400 Su-30s and Yak-130s have been added to the Air Forces of twelve nations. ROSOBORONEXPORT now has approximately 50 of these aircraft in its order book.
The signed Agreement outlines several areas of collaboration, including the creation of specific programs to boost exports, support for research on advanced high-tech products and technologies for export, measures to assist organizations involved in military-technical cooperation affected by sanctions from unscrupulous foreign states, and ensuring legal protection of intellectual property abroad, among other objectives.
The Irkutsk Regional Government endeavours to enhance the export capabilities of local firms, facilitate the introduction of new projects to foreign markets, and encourage local organizations to engage in international exhibits. Undoubtedly, this agreement will significantly enhance the economic and social progress of the Irkutsk area, which is a prominent and highly prospective area in Russia. It has abundant natural resources, as well as substantial scientific, industrial, and inventive capabilities. “The significant quantity of our products in ROSOBORONEXPORT’s order book is a testament to the exceptional quality and competitiveness of the enterprises in the Irkutsk Region,” stated Igor Kobzev, the Governor of the area.
As per the Agreement, both parties guarantee the involvement of ROSOBORONEXPORT representatives in the meetings of the advisory bodies of the Government of the Irkutsk Region. Similarly, representatives of the regional Government will participate in the meetings of ROSOBORONEXPORT’s advisory bodies to discuss matters that impact shared interests.
