Russian high-tech giant eyes closer cooperation

MOSCOW － Russian high-tech conglomerate Rostec Corporation is ready to strengthen cooperation with China on the development of military and civilian products, its CEO said.

"The portfolio of contracts that have been signed by Rostec's military export subsidiary and have entered into force exceeds $45 billion. More than 15 percent of this amount comes from cooperation with China," said Sergey Chemezov.

Rostec not only supplies China with military hardware but also transfers technology and conducts joint research with China on tanks, warplanes and guns, he said.

Chemezov said Rostec's large-scale cooperation with China has extended to various civil and dual-use areas, including IT, composite materials, airborne equipment, aero engines, and helicopter and aircraft manufacturing.

Rostec is expected to sign a contract with its Chinese partner by the end of 2017 to jointly develop a civilian heavy lift helicopter, he said.

The helicopter's take-off weight will exceed 38 metric tons and it will be adapted for round-the-clock operation in highlands and in all weather conditions, Chemezov said.

The Chinese side is expected to be the chief developer in charge of production, trials, certification and sales, while the Russian side is responsible for technological plans, he said.

Both sides are also working on a wide-body long-range aircraft. The Russian tycoon said the testing of its engine is scheduled for 2022 and its certification for 2025.

"Rostec's subsidiary United Engine Corporation together with the Aero Engine Corporation of China are developing the key components of the new aircraft engine," Chemezov said.

He also said the Russian side will be responsible for the design of the aircraft and the production of components, while the Chinese side will be in charge of the development of the fuselage and the final assembly.