Технологическое сближение: почему Россия перенесла производство самолетов «Освей» в Белоруссию

In the spring of 2024, Russia and Belarus signed an intergovernmental agreement on the development and organization of production of the twin-engine (VK-800SM) light multi-purpose aircraft (LMS-192) "Osvey," which is expected to fill the niche between the Baikal and Ladoga aircraft.

LMS-192 "Osvey"
Image source JSC "558 Aircraft Repair Plant"

The main developer of "Osvey" is the Ural Civil Aviation Plant. It will be assembled at the facilities of the 558th Aircraft Repair Plant (JSC "558 ARP") in Belarus.

The development will be carried out at the enterprises of the State Military-Industrial Committee (SMIC) of Belarus and enterprises of Russia, and then the organization of production. Equipment is being purchased and workshops are being built. A full cycle of manufacturing will be organized at the enterprises of the republic.

Dmitry Stefanovich, Head of the Industry Planning Department of the SMIC

There are three aircraft repair plants in Belarus: Minsk Civil Aviation Plant No. 407, JSC "Orsha Aircraft Repair Plant" and JSC "558th Aircraft Repair Plant." These enterprises also manufacture components for aviation and assemble UAVs of various types.

Deep Integration within the Union State

A design bureau has been opened in Belarus for the LMS-192 "Osvey" project, and personnel are being trained. The intergovernmental agreement between the two countries states that the Ural Civil Aviation Plant will be the developer, manufacturer and holder of the type certificate for the aircraft, and JSC "558 ARP" will be the "manufacturer and holder of the license for mass production of products and their modifications with the right to make changes."

Russia needs new aircraft, so technological convergence with Belarus is very beneficial. Given the current competencies in the field of aircraft construction, the Belarusians will cope with this project. However, their interest is not limited to "Osvey."

Belarusian Leadership Intends to Load the Capacity of its Aircraft Factories at the Expense of Russia

In 2023, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced his readiness to establish the production of Su-25 attack aircraft.

Attack aircraft, a workhorse. We are even ready to produce them in Belarus with a little support from Russia.

Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus

According to the Belarusian leader, the republic produces up to 1,000 components for Russian MS-21 and Sukhoi Superjet aircraft. In addition, JSC "Minsk Civil Aviation Plant No. 407" plans to master the production of some parts for the Tu-214.