The Russian aerospace industry expects to gain a bigger foothold in the Western European market as a result of a strategic partnership signed by EADS and the Russian aerospace agency Rosaviacosmos.
The 10-year official framework agreement was signed by EADS chief executive Philippe Camus and Rosaviacosmos general director Yuri Koptev and builds on the memorandum of understanding signed last December (Flight International, 19 December, 2000).
The agreement, covering over 50 aerospace programmes, is worth €2.1 billion ($1.8 billion) to Russian industry over the next 10 years. Camus says the partnership offers Russia the chance to become an equal partner in global projects.
Under a newly-created Airbus Moscow design centre, 150 Russian engineers will produce sections for Airbus models, including design and production work for the A320, A330, A340 and A380. Russian engineers will also develop elements of the A400M landing gear and engine attachment points.
EADS is also supporting a plan to launch Soyuz rockets from Kourou in French Guiana, which could lead to a $250 million European Space Agency investment in a new launch site for Russian rockets.
Source: Flight International
