Paris, 18 December 2000
Europe and Russia are extending their cooperation in aerospace. On Monday, in the presence of the Prime Ministers of France and Russia, Lionel Jospin and Mikhail Kasyanov, Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich, Co-CEOs of EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, and Yury Koptev, General Director of the Russian Aerospace Agency Rossaviacosmos, signed a Memorandum of Agreement. This agreement provides for expansion of European-Russian programs already operated by EADS. It also provides for new joint ventures. "EADS is Russia's main partner for joint aerospace ventures in Europe", Yury Koptev commented on the occasion of the signing of the agreement.
The two partners will work towards facilitating entry of the other partner into their respective domestic markets and creating positive framework conditions for the sale of products. "The Russian industry has a great tradition and is an important partner if we are to master the challenges of the future", stated Camus and Hertrich. "We will pursue many of the activities begun by our three founding companies but in a wider framework with maximum commitment."
The Russian aviation industry and EADS will continue and expand joint modernization and marketing of the MiG-29. EADS subsidiary Eurocopter and the Russian industry will evaluate the options for cooperation. The Russian launcher Soyuz is jointly marketed and further development is planned with European support.
Airbus Industrie is examining the possibility of furthering its co-opertion with the Russian industry in existing and future Airbus Programs such as the A3XX Megaliner. The plan is also for Russia to be involved in European transporter programmes.
The agreement further includes training for Russian personnel in Western Europe and mutual certification of products.
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