1.    How do see India’s market for the coming year?

Yury - India is one of the major customers of the Russian aircraft and weapons systems. Both nations are also industrial partners. We see the trend continuing in the foreseeable future (2019 and beyond). One may not be able give exact numbers but there is massive opportunities to sell but also to participate in the Make in India.

2.    India is focusing on indigenization of defence system; do you have any plans for this?

Yury - We have a long history of cooperation in the arena of defence production. This will continue further, as the two nations are working towards expanding bilateral cooperation. Russia was the first nation to provide and handhold India in local license production of some the top of the line military aircraft.  

As of now, the biggest defence project that the two countries are involved in is the local production of the Su-30MKI multi-role fighter. This India specific version of the Su-30, were initially produced at the Irkut Corporation (a UAC subsidiary) some two decades back. Subsequently, HAL began license production of these fighters. Thereafter, gradually, the Indian industry began manufacturing the aircraft and the Russian involvement gradually went down. The project is moving towards its conclusion. This is a classic case of maximum possible cooperation.   

3.    What is latest on FGFA?

Russia would like India to participate in the program. Although, it’s been quite some time since the agreement for cooperation on the project was signed between the two nations. Russia has developed the aircraft and it is undergoing final operational trials. UAC has already been contracted to supply the first batch of aircraft. Since, the aircraft will be operational soon; we will have to find a new way for India’s participation in this program.   

4.    Where do you see the MiG-35 in the MMRCA 2.0 ? What has changed since the first MMRCA programme?

Yury - The first tender for the MMRCA was sent out some ten years back. At that time the MiG-35 was a new fighter, but now the aircraft has emerged as a fully capable 4++ generation fighter greatly expanding its capabilities. Today, this aircraft can fulfill all the requirements of MMRCA 2.0. UAC is ready to transfer the technology for local production and also to supply aircraft in flyaway condition.

5.    How about the mid-life upgrade of the Su-30MKI?

Yury - Russia is ready to provide the best of the available technology and munitions for the upgrade of the Su-30MKI. These are mainstay of IAF and they deserve to be upgraded to meet the existing and future requirements. It’s the IAF which will have to come up with the requirements and upgrade plan.

6.    Are you progressing with the multi-role transport aircraft programme with HAL?

Yury - The two sides formed a joint venture called MTAL for the execution of the program. The idea was to develop and create a medium size transport aircraft. But, the project did not go further.  We did not close the JV, as many projects are coming up and cooperation with India is very significant, and this project can be useful in other projects. The two sides are discussing the issue.

7.    Are you engaging with Indian private industry for any project?

Yury - HAL has been our reliable partner for many decades. We intend to develop this mutually beneficial relationship further. On the same line, we also want to develop our relations with local private industry for creation of supply chain for spares and product support and maybe even more.

8.    What are you showcasing this year? What are your focus areas?

Yury - This year we are putting up one of the biggest stands ever with models of some our best aircraft from all categories such as, trainers - Yak-130, Yak-152, fighters - Su-30SM, PAK FA (Su-57) Su-35, MiG-35, MiG-29K, civil airliners - MC-21, Superjet 100 and special purpose and transport aircraft like Il-114MP, Il-78MK-90A, Il-112V, and special purpose Be-103, Be-200.

UAC, along with HAL, is focused on providing the best possible after sales support for Russian aircraft. UAC is going to become a single window after sales support for all Russian origin aerial platforms. We are focusing on becoming the most trusted and valuable defence aviation partner for India.

We would be meeting with representatives from Indian Ministry of Defence and services to discuss ongoing and future programs. If there are issues related with the programs those will also be discussed. Area of our cooperation is very wide and there is much positivity and we see a much prospect for expansion of our ties.