Import substitution in Russian defence industry discussed in Kazan

On June 18, prospects of the substitution of import components of Russian defence industry by domestic products were discussed at a meeting held by Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov. Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov, heads of Tatarstan defence industrial enterprises took part in the meeting.

Before the meeting the guests visited the final assembly department of OAO “Kazan helicopters” plant. “Mi-8”, “Mi-17”, and Ansat helicopters were presented to Denis Manturov and Rustam Minnikhanov .

Denis Manturov said that he had visited the plant several times, and noted it is one of the leading enterprises in the industry. He wished the plant successful development and presented awards to best employees.

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, in his turn, said that the plant is the honour of the republic. “Everywhere abroad people know our helicopters. There is highly professional team working here, and state-of-the-art production. Overall modernization is underway at the plant, new models Ansat and Mi-38 are being produced,” Rustam Minnikhanov stated.

Rustam Minnikhanov presented the medal of the Republic of Tatarstan “For valorous labour” to Marketing and Sales Director Valery Pashko.

Opening the meeting on development of Tatarstan defence industry enterprises, Denis Manturov reminded about problems connected with delivery of imported components, especially from Ukraine.

He continued that for the last few years the work on import substitution has been carried out in Russian defence industry. “However, international cooperation by some areas was maintained, but not all foreign partners are willing to supply their components. Therefore, the import substitution plan was submitted to the Government for consideration. Development of the import substitution programme is to be finished by the end of June,” Denis Manturov said.