AZERBAIJAN INTENDS TO PRODUCE DRONES, COMBAT HELICOPTERS

Interfax
May 25 2009
Russia

Azerbaijan is in talks with various foreign countries on starting the
production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and combat helicopters,
Azeri Defense Industry Minister Yaver Jamalov said.

"The talks with a number of countries on purchasing technologies and
organizing the production of UAVs and combat helicopters in Azerbaijan
are underway," Jamalov told the ATV channel on Saturday.

Azerbaijan negotiates manufacturing military products in the country
with the world’s leading companies, he said, adding that in particular
talks on the production of armored personnel carriers (APC)

in Azerbaijan are underway with South Africa’s Paramount Group.

It is expected that 40 APCs will be produced this year, he said,
"Our army receives defense products complying with the world’s
standards. Today Azerbaijan has a professional army resting on a
material and technical base," the minister said.

The Armenian side is concerned about the fast development of
Azerbaijan’s defense industry. "I would say that many states are
jealous [of the development of defense industry in Azerbaijan]. Despite
their jealousness we should strengthen our defense industry which
means strengthening the material and technical base of our army,"
Jamalov said.

Azerbaijan also produces ammunition of small arms, he said. The Azeri
side is now in talks with the United States, Turkey, and Syria on
selling ammunition produced in Azerbaijan on the world market, h added.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress