Mikhail Korzhuev is rumoured to have taken up the position of number two at Sukhoi

Published: 6/22/1999

Amid the clamour of the Paris Air Show, it appears that one interesting change within Russian aerospace may have been overlooked. Sources are revealing that Mr Mikhail Korzhuev has left his position as General Designer of the MiG bureau, and has become the Deputy of Pagosyan at Sukhoi: the senior partner in the merger of the Russian fighter producers. Mr Korzhuev was recently sidelined by the arrival of Mr Nikolai Nikitkin as General Director of MAPO/MiG, fresh from his defeat by Mr Mikhail Pogosyan for the position of General Director at Sukhoi. The intrigues that have brought about the Pogosyan/ Korzhuev combination make for some interesting speculation. Mr Korzhuev, a relatively young man, is considered to have climbed the ladder at MiG with remarkable nimbleness for an avionics specialist. He was perceived to be politically adept at using his influential contacts both in and out of the MiG bureau. The relationship between Mr Nikitkin and Mr Pogosyan however, is rumoured to be poor, both personally and on issues of strategic direction. This, in part, explains the need to move Mr Nikitkin on, after the Director General position was filled. The MiG bureau that Mr Korzhuev leaves is reported to be in difficulties. It lacks access to advanced technology and is materially suffering from lack of funding, as the junior partner in a fighter-exporting business. At present, there are few details of the planned merger of the two entities, but it seems that Mr Korzhuev may have decided Sukhoi looked the better ship.

Article ID: 609