With the participation of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a Memorandum was signed between the Ministry of Defense and the Antonov State Enterprise on cooperation in the construction of the aircraft for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
At the first stage, we are talking about three new military transport aircraft An-178, which the Armed Forces will receive. They can be used for the delivery of personnel, weapons and light military equipment by landing and parachute methods, as well as for the transportation of goods.
"These new aircraft will be built by Ukrainian citizens, from Ukrainian components, for Ukrainian interests. In fact, this is how it should be,” the Head of State stressed before the signing ceremony, which took place at the Antonov State Enterprise.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that many international partners showed significant interest in the An types of aircraft, in particular in military transport models.
"But at the same time, and this is logical, they always ask me whether these planes have been adopted in Ukraine? That is why this step is doubly important. It strengthens Ukraine's defense capabilities and helps attract Ukrainian and foreign investments,” the President said.
The Head of State also stressed that in the future such state orders should become not a sensation, but a normal practice. Therefore, in the near future he expects a full-fledged comprehensive plan from the management of SE "Antonov" to restore and reinforce the human resources of the company, return lost professionals and attract new ones.
The President invited state customers to continue working on new contracts for the production of the An-178 next year. He also urged the government to work on the establishment of a Ukrainian airline in 2021, which will use Antonov aircraft. The President commissioned to develop the state scientific and technical program on development of the aviation industry for 2021-2030 and to prepare the corresponding meeting of NSDC of Ukraine.
"Let's do everything possible for the aviation industry of Ukraine to overcome all zones of turbulence and reach new heights," Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.
