Kiev has forced Ukrainian plane maker Antonov to sever its contract with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation, RT reported. This decision is likely linked with Kiev’s move to include Antonov as part of Ukroboronprom, a state-owned strategic conglomerate. In October 2010, Antonov and UAC signed a deal to form a joint company. The firms agreed to cooperate in marketing, sales, design and production of military, civilian and cargo aircraft as well as modifying new Antonov airplanes. In July, the Russian Aviakor plane factory suspended manufacturing of the An-140 civil aircraft due to a shortage of parts from Antonov. The decision came after what UAC says are Antonov’s failures to fulfill its contract obligations.
