Malaysia Seeks Belarusian Partner For Military Aircraft Repairs

Malaysia is considering expanding military cooperation with Belarus in the near future in matters concerning aircraft repairs.

“I will recommend our defense ministry to pay close attention to the capabilities of the Belarusian company ‘OAO 558 Aircraft Repair Plant’ in Baranovichi.” Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Malaysian parliament Pandikar Amin Mulia said as he visited the repair plant in Baranovichi, Brest Oblast Wednesday.

Malaysia is keen on expanding cooperation with Belarus in repairs of military aircraft. Malaysia has already worked with OAO 558 Aircraft Repair Plant although only as one-time contracts. It is now necessary to take the bilateral relations to the next level, he was quoted as saying by Belta Wednesday.

“Today I've contacted the deputy defense minister of our country and informed him about my tour of the aircraft repair company in Baranovichi, Pandikar Amin Mulia added.

Pavel Pinigin, Director of OAO 558 Aircraft Repair Plant, noted that the Belarusian company is ready to expand cooperation with the Malaysian Defense Ministry in repairing and modernizing aircraft of the MiG-29 type.

The delegation of the Malaysian parliament led by Pandikar Amin Mulia went on a tour of the manufacturing division of the aircraft repair company.

Members of the delegation were made familiar with some peculiarities of the technology used to repair and upgrade aircraft and helicopters of the Belarusian army as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.

OAO 558 Aircraft Repair Plant specializes in repairing and upgrading the aircraft Su-22, Su-25, Su-27 (Su-30), MiG-29, and An-2 as well as the helicopters Mi-8 (Mi-17) and Mi-24 (Mi-35).

The Belarusian firm is capable of repairing the airframe and all the components. It can enhance aircraft and take extra preventive measures to increase the reliability of aircraft and helicopters. The company cooperates with over 30 countries.