Agreement expected on Tu-334 and Tu-204(127 words)

Published: 3/15/2001

Press reports indicate that Ilya Klebanov, Deputy Prime Minister, has announced the possibility of Iran and Russia agreeing on production of the Tu-204 and Tu-334 under licence in Iran. Klebanov's comments were made whilst Iran's President Mohammad Hatami was on a visit to Russia. According to Klebanov, the concept of licenced production was suggested recently by the Iranians and is currently being reviewed. An MoU could be signed in the next few days. Iran already produces the An-140 and rolled out its first aircraft for tests earlier this year.The discussions relating to the production of the Tu-334 in Iran, have been underway for some period of time and were reported to be near conclusion in January of 2000. When reports suggested large orders for the aircraft and kits for local licenced production by IAMI in Ishfahan. On the subject of Iran's defence interests, Klebanov would only say that they focussed on the provision of air defence equipment, such as the S-300 system.

Article ID: 2417