Spin or reality? (220 words)

Published: 10/13/2000

In a Ukrainian press report, Mr. Kuzmuk, the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, has said that the Ukraine Air Force would fly only wholly Ukrainian made An-70 when it adopts the aircraft. He did however announce that the air force had considerably scaled back its interest looking now for only 30 aircraft, compared with the 40 reported at the end of 1999, to make up a regimental formation. The aircraft are intended to replace the 40 Il-76 currently being operated by the air force. The cost of the aircraft for the Ukriane has been reported to be $40 and according to reports from the Ukraine expects to be in serial production at Aviant in Kiev by 2002. Given the current condition of the Ukrainian budget and the stumbling efforts to find funding for certification of the An-70, combined with Russia's problems in finding funding for serial production at Aviakor in Samara and the increasing clamour for an upgrade of the Il-76 for the Russian Air Force. It seems that Mr. Kuzmuk is being somewhat optimistic that the aircraft will be in serial production by 2002 given that the chance of the Ukraine sustaining a production line for only 30 aircraft for the military are very low, without considerable external assistance.

Article ID: 2126