Russian defense ministry suspends procurement of MiGs

17.08.2011 Russian defense ministry suspended procurement of 24 carrier-based fighters MiG-29K/KUB, writes Vedomosti referring to a source in United Aircraft Engineering Corporation. The delay occurs because defense ministry strives for lower prices.

According to Mikhail Pogosian, President of United Aircraft Engineering Corporation, the contract for MiG-29 fighters will be signed till the current year is over. All 24 airplanes will join 279th Wing based on the Russia's only aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov.

Earlier on, initiators of the MAKS-2011 air show declared contracts to the overall amount of over $10 bln could be signed during the exhibition. Perhaps, real value of the contracts would be lower.

Meanwhile, holding company Russian Helicopters also reported that the contracts for Ka-52 helicopters had not been agreed with Russian Army, writes Moskovsky Komsomolets. In addition, defense ministry yet has not determined exact number of deck-based Ka-52 helicopters to be stationed on Mistral-class landing ships bought from France on June 17, 2011.

Director of Rosoboronpostavka arms delivery agency Nadezhda Sinikova said on Aug 11 that 93.5% of contracts under State Arms Program 2011 had been already signed. It is planned to sign the rest of contracts in Aug 2011.