Azerbaijan plans defense production at $74M this year
By Rashid Shirinov
Production, repair and utilization of defense products valued at almost 125 million manats are planned in Azerbaijan in 2017, said Minister of Defense Industry Yavar Jamalov.
“The production, repair and utilization of defense products valued at 123.7 million manats ($74 million) is provided in accordance with the orders of the Defense Ministry and other law enforcement agencies,” the minister said on April 10, at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to the results of the socio-economic development of Azerbaijan in the first quarter of 2017 and future tasks.
Jamalov noted that the production process is ongoing on the basis of the concluded agreements.
“Currently, there are ample opportunities for increasing production volumes at the enterprises of the Ministry, and work will be improved with the increase of orders in this field,” the minister said.
Jamalov also noted that today Azerbaijan exports military products to more than 10 countries.
“Currently, the value of the agreements is $101 million. A total of $57 million of this amount cover the ongoing projects, while $44 million will take effect once the partners provide the final certificates,” the minister said.
Jamalov also noted that the arms and ammunition, produced at the Azerbaijani defense enterprises, were widely used during the April clashes.
He said that new military equipment of Azerbaijani production played an important role in precision striking on the military equipment and manpower of the enemy, and added that purposeful work in this direction continues.
Jamalov also said that Zarba KM unmanned aerial vehicle of new generation, which was demonstrated in September 2016, has been successfully tested. In accordance with the contracts, Zarba KM has been launched for full-scale production and delivered to customers.
He added that currently, intensive work is ongoing on the development of Zarba KH unmanned aerial vehicle, capable of hitting armored vehicles, military installations and manpower of the enemy at a distance of 100 kilometers.
Moreover, the development of a national armored car Tufan, demonstrated at the international defense exhibition ADEX 2016 in Baku, has been successfully completed, the minister added.
Azerbaijan, which is in war with neighboring Armenia over the latter's groundless territorial claims during more than 20 years, keeps in focus the armament. The country creates its own armament and works closely with leading companies and firms in various fields of military industry.
The Defense Industry Ministry increased the volume of defense industry products in 2016 by 1.6 times compared to 2015, while the product assortment rose by 1.8 times. Currently, twenty-eight military factories are operating within the Defense Industry Ministry of Azerbaijan.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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