Reforming the aerospace industry was one of the topics covered in the interview. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the bulk of this work is scheduled for completion by March 2013. “We have to streamline the aerospace industry until next March. Currently it is operating at 40% of its capacity. Reforms in the aerospace industry will be conducted in accordance with the objectives set forth by the Government,” Dmitry Rogozin said. The main goals of the Russian aerospace industry, the Deputy Prime Minister said, include introducing a quality management system, improving the quality of output through the introduction of standardised technical policies, restoring the military acceptance procedure, and retrofitting major aerospace companies.

Commenting on the Russian aerospace industry’s results for 2012, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the drastic reduction in the accident rate is its main achievement, with the number of accidents not exceeding the number of accidents in American and European aerospace industries.

Dmitry Rogozin also noted the success of the GLONASS system. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, a total of 31 satellites have been deployed, of which 24 are on combat duty permanently, ensuring accurate positioning of the defence equipment. Mr Rogozin believes it’s important that other countries use the GLONASS system, which is being negotiated with Russia’s partners across the world.

The Deputy Prime Minister also spoke about Russia-India military-technical cooperation. Currently, the value of arms supply contracts between the two countries amounts to $3 billion, but, according to Mr Rogozin, this figure will double in the near future and will ultimately reach the 10-billion mark. Mr Rogozin also said that routine tests of the fifth-generation fighter that is being designed with the participation of the Indian side are under way. Forty-two Su-30MKI fighters and 71 helicopters will be supplied for the needs of the Indian Ministry of the Interior, and other services under these contracts.