VLADIMIR KARNOZOV / PARIS
EADS and weapons maker MBDA are to work with Russia's Sukhoi and arms export agency Rosoboronexport on the potential development of future defence systems including unmanned combat air vehicles under the terms of a co-operation agreement signed at the Paris air show last week. The protocol could also open the door for MBDA missiles to equip Sukhoi fighter aircraft.
The agreement calls for the creation of a joint working group to study a range of existing and newly proposed Russian-European activities on fourth and fifth generation aircraft. Sukhoi general director Mikhail Pogosyan says the protocol "gives ground" for shaping future programmes and determining the role of their participants.
Sukhoi is seeking broader co-operation with its western European counterparts to boost the export potential of its planned LFI fifth-generation fighter. "We have established close co-operation with French companies on fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft, which we want to extend to the next-generation products," says Pogosyan. Although details have not been revealed, the Russian side says programmes are under discussion.
European participation in Russia's fifth-generation project could help Sukhoi preserve its standing in the international fighter market after the US-led Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter becomes available for export. Pogosyan says the Russian manufacturer holds 18-20% of the tactical fighter market and hopes to increase fighter production by 15-20% over the next 20 years. A key requirement is retaining competitiveness against US-sourced avionics.
The general director of avionics integrator Tekhnocomplex, Givi Dzhandzhgava, says the company has reached agreement with Thales and Sagem on joint development of future navigation and display systems for use on fifth-generation fighters, as well as using French sensors in new electro-optical systems, helmet-mounted sights and night-vision goggles.
"Setting up the working commission will help boost this work," he says. Russian radar houses NIIP and Phazotron-NIIR are known to be working with French and Italian companies on active electronically scanned array technology.
Source: Flight International
