Czech, Bulgarian Firms Suspended from Repairing Russian Origin Aircraft, Helicopters

Russia has suspended certificates that authorized Czech and Bulgarian aircraft repair companies to repair Russian-origin aircraft, helicopters.

The official spokeswoman of the Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said at the briefing on Thursday, "the Russian side made the decision as a tit-for-tat measure to suspend certificates of aircraft repair plants earlier issued to Czech’s Lom Praha and Bulgarian companies Terem-Letec and Avionams."

"Certain NATO and EU countries continue materiel supplies to the Kiev regime and plan to organize its repair at industrial facilities of Eastern European countries," Zakharova said.

"Indicated plants lose the right to perform activities related to maintenance and repair of helicopters produced in Russia. The Russian side disclaims in this regard liability for safe operation of helicopters repaired at these plants," Zakharova added.

These companies’ services on the design and technical support of Mi-type helicopter overhaul, subscription-based maintenance of operation and repair documentation kits and deliveries of spares and components are thereby terminated, the diplomat said.

Lom Praha is executing a contract signed on a December 8, 2020, for the modernization of 15 Mi-171S transport helicopters for the Czech MoD.

All 15 machines will have new on-board transponders, electronic warfare modules, new communication, navigation systems and multifunction display for both pilots. Lightweight ballistic protection will also be installed on 3 helicopters to reduce their weight.

The move may not have much impact as various companies in Eastern Europe including Ukraine offer service and overhaul of Russian aircraft without the consent of Russian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).