Russia Mulls Reforming Military Industrial Complex

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File photo: A Russian officer gives orders to prepare a new anti-ship missile system 'Rubezh' during strategic manoevers 'Zapad (West)-99' in Murmansk region and at the Barentsevo sea, Wednesday 23 June 1999. 'West-99' is the largest military exercise for the past five years. 30 warships, some nuclear submarines, 11 coast units, navy airforces, alltogether around 10 000 soldiers and officers will take part in the manoevers. EPA/AFP Photo Copyright 2000

Moscow (Interfax) Jan. 30, 2001
The Russian government is set to discuss a program for reforming the country's military industrial complex in May of this year, Deputy Minister of Industry, Science and Technology Leonid Safronov reported.

"The ministry will have the program prepared by the end of April, and it will include all directions of military industrial policy in the country," Safronov stressed.

Moreover, he reported that by March the ministry would have part of the program already worked out, concerning reforming Russia's aviation construction complex.

Commenting on the ministry's position regarding the issue of restructuring the integrated structure, known as the aviation production complex Sukhoi, Safronov noted that "the ministry is trying to practically implement earlier passed decisions on incorporating the aviation industry, including the military industrial aviation industry."

Safronov confirmed reports that during his business trip to Komsomolskna Amure and Khabarovsk he visited the Komsomolskna Amure Aviation Production Union (KNAAPO), which produces the fourth generation Su-27 fighter and its modifications.

"It is true that the possibility of having KNAAPO be the head plant for producing a number of modified bombers (as part of the corporate structure being established) was discussed, with Sukhoi remaining the head plant of the entire holding," Safronov reported.

Safronov also reported that "among other issues discussed with Khabarovsk territorial governor Viktor Ishayev were "easy" and "tough" versions of plans under which aviation construction plants are to become parts of holdings.

Safronov did not disclose the details of these plans, saying only that "reforms in the aviation construction complex have not yet become final and that the number of holdings has not even been clearly established yet."

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