Further orders await negotiations on Russian debt(150 words)

Published: 12/1/2000

The General Director of Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise (KAPP) Boris Malyshev has confirmed that the plant has delivered three Ka-32T to South Korea in October and November. The last delivery to coincide with a visit to the country by Deputy Minister Gregory Rapota to South Korea this month and follows the delivery of a number of helicopters over the last year. The helicopters, equipped with a US fire fighting equipment, are expected according to Malyshev, to be followed with additional orders. The planned signing of a new agreement in October however, has been delayed pending a discussion between the two countries regarding payment for the helicopters offset against Russia's debt to South Korea. A new agreement is expected before the year-end with KAPP's local partner LG Corporation. According to Malyshev, there are now 35 Ka-32s operating in South Korea, with the older helicopters being upgraded and maintained by KAPP at their maintenance center in Seoull.

Article ID: 2224