Georgia is to reduce its Russian debt with Su-25s from TAM (221 words)

Published: 3/8/2001

In an effort to reduce its debt to Russia, Georgia has proposed that the Russian government accept 13 Su-25T anti-tank aircraft, from the newly privatised Georgian producer, Tiblisi Aircraft Manufacturing (TAM), formerly known as the state-owned, Tiblisi Aircraft Association (TASA). The Russians are reported to be considering the offer of the aircraft, which are currently produced in Russia, at Ulan Ude, and called the Su-25TM (an upgrade of the Su-25T and also known as the Su-39). The aircraft has become the backbone of Russia's activities in Chechnya and the offer of 13 aircraft, with a flyaway price in 1998 of $8.3m, is likely to appear attractive - particularly given the problems between the countries over debt repayment. The new aircraft are likely to come from 12 airframes, reported as being kept at the Tiblisi facility. The upgrade of the airframes will as like as not be done by TAM, although the original upgrading of the airframes was to have taken place at Ulan Ude, TAM has been in the process of upgrading a substantial number of mothballed Su-25 for Turkmenistan during 2000 and also providing aircraft to Peru. According to reports, the Ministry of Defence will make its decision on aircraft acceptance in two/three months.

Article ID: 2402