MOSCOW. Feb 21 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian-German company MAPS (MIG Aircraft Product Support GmbH) can be useful even after German MIG-29 Fulcrums are transferred to Poland, EADS (European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company) chief of international media relations department Gregor von Kursell told Interfax- Military News Agency Friday.
Kursell said MAPS was considered a very interesting project implemented jointly with the Russian MIG Corporation and Rosoboronexport state-owned arms trader. MAPS will maintain 23 MIG-29 planes operated by Germany. All the aircraft are operable, and German pilots are highly satisfied with them, he said.
According to Kursell, Germany plans to transfer the aircraft to Poland, and it is yet unclear who will be in charge for the maintenance then. The transfer is scheduled for 2004 in two batches of 29 and 13 aircraft.
Kursell said that MAPS could be quite able to do the job. He said that it would be a shame to lose the world-unique experience of the maintenance of German MIG-29s.
There is a structure, and there are people who know Russian hardware and Russian firms. Such people are few. This structure is worth working further on it, he said.
According to Kursell, MAPS could be in charge of upgrade and maintenance of all Fulcrums operated in Europe. It would be favorable for both Russia and EADS.
Relevant talks with possible partners are underway, Kursell added.