Russian Deputy Industry and Trade Minister: production of turboprop aircraft to be launched in Belarus

It’s important for Belarus and Russia to launch joint ventures in the field of aviation and the machine tool industry – as stated by the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Viktor Yevtukhov as part of a discussion on the sidelines of the 26th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

Speaking about the interface between the industrial systems of Belarus and Russia, Viktor Yevtukhov noted the implementation of a number of important industry programmes. In particular, he singled out the ongoing joint project with Gomselmash, financed by the Russian Finance Ministry. The official named the machine tool and aircraft industries as important, “What is important is to launch projects in the field of aviation and the machine tool industry, particularly, the organisation of the production of a 19-seat turboprop aircraft and grinding equipment in Belarus.”

According to Viktor Yevtukhov, a total of 20 Russian and over 50 Belarusian enterprises are involved in the special machine building industry. This refers to the supply of components and assemblies. Russian Transmashholding is ready to produce engines for the 220-tonne BELAZ vehicle: the unit is currently being tested.

“In the automotive industry, our manufacturers are connected by dozens of production chains. In 2022, Belarusian manufacturers supplied 4.4bn Russian Roubles of automobile components while this year we expect the figure to reach 5.8bn Russian Roubles. In this regard, KAMAZ is in the most active position, buying components from 19 Belarusian enterprises. Now they have launched a large-scale co-operation programme with Minsk Automobile Works (MAZ) in three areas, including import substitution of components and assemblies from unfriendly states,” noted Viktor Yevtukhov.

A large programme is being implemented in the field of radio electronics, said the Deputy Head of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade. A deep modernisation of the Belarusian enterprise Integral begins, with design work currently underway. “It’s planned to produce an electronic component base at the site and start production of at least 100 new products,” he said.

As an important step towards the unification of legislation and the establishment of production chains, Viktor Yevtukhov called the prepared agreement in the field of the machine tool industry. As expected, it will be signed as part of the Innoprom industrial expo in July 2023.