Irkut Engineering, the subsidiary of Irkut Corporation, will develop light UAV for Vietnam Aerospace Association (VASA) and provide technical support for establishing its serial production in Vietnam, Izvestiya reports. Now this country does not have technologies for production of UAVs.

The corresponding Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation has been signed by the parties on Wednesday, said CEO of Irkut Engineering, Yuri Malov.

At present VASA is acquiring UAVs for civil operation, said Malov, noting that the acquired technologies may be also used for construction of military systems in future.

«We are acting as a technological and commercial partner, who should teach the Vietnam party to support and operate the delivered UAVs, — Malov explained. — After gaining enough experience they might establish their own production».

The development cost of the UAV is $10 million. It includes the aerial vehicle, data transfer post and ground start and control system. The vehicle with weight of 100 kg will be developed in accordance with the requirements of government of Vietnam. It should be equipped with catapult launch and parachute landing system. Its endurance should be more than 16 hours.