Russian Security Council due to discuss the funding of the aerospace industry development programmes

Published: 12/8/1999

The Russian Security Council is due to meet on the 13th of December to discuss the aviation development programme up to 2015. This will include both military and civil aviation. The Ministry of Defence will make proposals on the former; the Russian Aerospace Agency, FSVT and the Ministry of Economics will prepare civil aviation proposals. Those development programmes identified as being the most promising will be financed from three sources. These are as follows: · State budget, with annual financing of 15-20 billion rubles ($550-750m); · State loans for financing research and development programmes to design certain aircraft and helicopters · Commercial loans with state guarantees. While encouraging to see the Russian authorities in action over this issue, there is a distinct feeling of déjà vu, we can only hope that this time some of the politics may convert into action. The involvement of the Security Council previously headed up by Prime Minister Putin, suggests that it is being seen as a priority.

Article ID: 1193