MiG test flights await new radio equipment

Published: 2/29/2000

The Russian MoD, led by Col-Gen Anatoly Sitnov, Chief of armament, has moved to accelerate the production of new avionic equipment for installation on MiG-29SMT, MiG-29SMT-2, MiG-29UBT and MiG-31BM fighters and MiG-AT trainer. According to Anatoly Belosvet, of the Mikoyan design bureau, the lack of new equipment is the main reason for postponing the MiG-29SMT and MiG-29SMT-2 fighters and MiG-31MB interceptor test flights. He added that the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Air Force are now taking an active interest in the modernisation programme. Sitnov"s personal position has deteriorated substantially of late. His backing of Russian Avionics (RA), led by former MiG General Director Korzhuyev, was attacked by Nikitin of RSK MiG in the Russian press, who suggested that certain generals were “using their official positions in reaching private goals, such as gaining from certain businesses". Sitnov has been widely speculated as a potential replacement for Marshal Igor Sergeyev, currently holding the chair of Defence Minister, in a reshuffle that is currently underway in Arbat Square, the location of the Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD). The outcome should prove interesting. Although Sitnov may be the “ younger and nimbler" of the candidates, his support of RA seems at odds with the administration, particularly that of Deputy Prime Minister, Klebanov, who is reported to have been instrumental in engineering the withdrawal of RA"s licences by the Ministry of Economics.

Article ID: 1488