Iran in talks with Russia over Tu-204 and Tu-334 (178 words)

Published: 8/14/2001

The issue of aircraft production seems to have been an agenda item at recent meetings in Moscow between Iran's ambassador in Moscow and the Russian Ministry of Industry, Science and Technology. According to reports, the two parties continued discussions already initiated on the possibility of producing the Tu-204 and Tu-334 under licence in Iran. OAO Tupolev, declined to confirm any details and would only comment that the discussions are at a preliminary stage. However, Alexander Maryasov, Russian Ambassador to Iran, in a report in Vremya Novostei , said that the two sides are examining the possibility of producing the Tu-204 and Tu-334 in Iran, with the possible participation of India, along with a possible geo-stationary telecommunications satellite, called Zohre. For Tupolev, the critical factor in starting any licenced production could be Iranian relations with the USA, as both aircraft have considerable US content and any assembly of the aircraft by IAMI in Isfahan would undoubtedly require at least tacit US approval.

Article ID: 2706