The agreement, which was signed in Moscow, envisages coordination of the activity of two enterprises on full-scale technical maintenance of Russia-made helicopters in Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states. The agreement was inked for five years with option for prolongation.

The Russian firm said the decision on cooperation with UzRosAvia was adopted within the framework of strategy of Russian Helicopters OJSC on development of post-sale service to Russian helicopters, which envisages creation of developed network of service centers in all key regions of the work to protect interests of Russian helicopter users.

Andrei Shibitov, CEO of Russian Helicopters, said the agreement with UzRosAvia is part of legitimization of production activity on servicing Russian helicopters in the CIS states. This document provides opportunity to out partners from neighboring states to carry out maintenance work and underwent certification in Russia. “We are sure for economic efficiency of the agreement and we believe that cooperation with the Uzbek partners will be long and beneficial,” he added.

Abid Mirzaev, director-general of UzRosAvia, said the Uzbek enterprise has been successfully repairing such helicopters as Mi-8 and Mi-24. “We hope that thanks to cooperation with the Russian Helicopters OJSC will repair Mi-8/17 helicopters not only for Uzbekistan, but also for neighboring states.”

Russian Helicopters, JSC is an affiliated company of UIC Oboronprom. It is the managing body of the following helicopter industry enterprises: Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, Kamov, Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, Kazan Helicopters, Rostvertol, Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company, Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise, Vpered Moscow Machine-Building Plant, Stupino Machine Production Plant, Reductor-PM and Helicopter Service Company (VSK).

UIC Oboronprom, JSC is a multi-profile industrial and investment group established in 2002. Its main tasks include helicopter engineering (Russian Helicopters managing company), engine-building (United Engine Industry Corporation managing company), air defense systems and complex electronic systems (Defense Systems holding company), and other machine-building activities. The companies of the group reported revenues of over 100 billion roubles in 2008.

UzRosAvia JV was founded in line with the agreement between governments of Russia and Uzbekistan from 7 March 2007. The venture was created at the base of Chirchiq Aviation Repair-Mechanism Plant. The plant repairs Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters, produces spare parts and renders service to other special technologies.