| Good afternoon, ladies and
gentlemen.
I’d like to offer my
heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the
International Aviation and Space Show, MAKS-2011. This event was launched in
1993, and has since become a major international platform, where producers can
display their achievements of the last two years while aficionados of air and
space technology can acquaint themselves with the achievements of the
international aviation and space industries.
This year the attendance at
the show has reached a record high, with 842 companies from 40 countries. This
is a very impressive figure, one that demonstrates that interest in the Moscow show is constantly growing. And of
course, for the hundreds of thousands of people who are interested, as I’ve
already mentioned, this is an excellent venue to get a sense of what is going
on in this area. This can be particularly interesting for the younger
generation, because it is here that many of them discover their dreams.
In developing the Russian
aviation and space industries, we fully understand that our achievements in
this sphere do not merely reflect the prestige of our country, important though
this is. They also ensure our defence capabilities and our national security,
and create the conditions necessary for the country’s modern economic growth
and technological advancement. Perhaps the key here is to create new
opportunities for the self-realisation of the people. This is where the latest
technology is being developed, where fresh and interesting ideas are introduced
and new challenging and high-paid jobs are generated. It is here that the
demand for capable minds and hands is taking shape.
I’m pleased to note that
the Russian exposition at MAKS is growing with each passing year. Today Russia is displaying a range of new models
of modern civilian and combat aircraft, as well as spacecraft.
On display at the air field
of the legendary Zhukovsky Airport are the Sukhoi SuperJet-100 and the
operational trainer Yak-130, the multi-purpose “generation four plus” fighter,
the global navigation satellite system GLONASS, and the concept model of the
Rus spaceship. I’d like to emphasise that the PAK FA fifth generation fighter,
a promising air system of front-line combat aviation, will take part in the
flight programme for the first time.
These achievements of
contemporary Russia reflect the labour of our
specialists, who are reviving and developing the best traditions of the Russian
aircraft and space industries.
The
government will continue to support our aerospace complex, which is an absolute
strategic priority for us. From 2009 to 2011 the government allocated more than
270 billion roubles towards programmes in the aviation and space industries. Our
country has become fourth in the world in annual expenditures on space
exploration.
I’d like to note that even
during the crisis and the downturn in the economy, we have not cut a single air
and space programme, despite the familiar global and national economic
difficulties. We financed all programmes in full, and without missing a beat.
The missile industry
deserves a special mention. As distinct from other production industries, it
registered absolute growth and, in general, supported the national economy.
Russia is resuming its programmes on the exploration
of planets in our solar system, and is developing its orbital complex,
including the GLONASS global navigation system. Our designers are actively
developing the mid-range MS-21 aircraft with a composite wing, as well as the
Mi-38 and Ka-62 advanced helicopters. The large-scale production of the
Russian-Ukrainian AN-148 aircraft, with different modifications, has been
launched.
We have completed the consolidation
of our aviation industry and I believe this is extremely important. I must
honestly say that this has been long and grueling work but, thank God, we have
completed it. All enterprises and plants that are part of the integrated
structures now have clear prospects for future development. We’ll focus
foremost on the technical modernisation and re-equipment of production lines
and research institutions. We will enhance their efficiency and competitiveness
and will help our companies enter global markets. We are certainly open to
close cooperation with our partners, and indeed, this cooperation is developing
quite successfully. We are prepared to form alliances and establish joint
ventures with leading world producers.
And of course, for our
development goals, we require a powerful intellectual and technological centre.
As you know, here in Zhukovsky, we have decided to set up a centre for the
national aircraft industry, which will include leading research institutions,
design bureaus and experimental plants. This centre will form the basis of the
innovative core of the domestic aircraft industry. We hope for it to become a
world-class research and production cluster containing the necessary
educational, social and transportation infrastructure.
We have already started
developing transportation facilities and have taken modest steps in this
direction – a road and two bridges have been built. This is only the beginning.
I hope by the next air show, MAKS-2013, there will have emerged a new
headquarters building of the Russian United Aircraft Building Corporation
(UABC), along with other facilities of the national aircraft industry centre
that we are envisioning. In addition, I consider it expedient to create a
museum of aviation history here in Zhukovsky.
In conclusion, I’d like to
note that today’s show is particularly special, as it is taking place in the
same year as the 100th anniversary of our aircraft industry and the
50th anniversary of Yury Gagarin’s space flight. With this in mind,
I’d like to wish MAKS-2011 the very best success.
Thank you for your
attention. I wish you all the best. Thank you.
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