EADS, Russian arms export agency Rosoboronexport and AVPK Sukhoi have started negotiating a joint venture for the overhaul, upgrade and logistic support of the Sukhoi Su-22 Fitter fighter.
Negotiations began earlier this year under a Rosoboronexport initiative. It wants to use its experience with the MAPS MiG-29 support venture between EADS and RSK MiG. The proposed Su-22 venture would be similar to MAPS, with EADS being offered a 50% share. It would focus on Bulgaria, Poland and Slovakia, the last remaining large Eastern European Su-22 operators.
Apart from returning aircraft to the air, and extending service life, the venture would also upgrade the aircraft to NATO standards, including compatibility with Western munitions.
"Upgrade of Su-22s can be a good solution to these countries that face severe budgetary constraints," says Yevgeni Pogrebenski, support director AVPK Sukhoi. After upgrade, the Su-22s could remain in service until 2015.
EADS participation is needed to make the plan work. The joint venture could win orders worth $100million in its first three years, Pogrebenski claims.
Source: Flight International
