17 defense industry facilities planned to be constructed and reconstructed in Azerbaijan in 2009

"Owing to a special attention of the president of Azerbaijan through a short period of time we conducted important measures aimed to form a defense industry of the country. 16 production units were launched and mass defense production, responding to the modern requirements, started through the past period at the enterprises, controlled by the Ministry", noted Jamalov Monday at the opening ceremony of the radio engineering plant of Jihaz production unit of the Ministry for Defense Industry.

The minister that the work, envisioned by the program of the state defense order for 2007-2008, is ended and the production is taken for use.

"The program of works for 2009 is wider. We have assimilated the small serious production of artillery guns, which were produced in line with the program. Moreover, we produced and delivered to the customers a great many of different caliber shells", noted the Minister.

He said the defense enterprises also ensured producing of engineering technique, military and training reserves, means of engineering service and reconnaissance.

"The volume of defense production, made by customers in 2008, has risen 6.1 times as compared to 2005", added the Minister.

Jamalov also noted that this year envisions production of defense goods and spare parts of 435 types.

"As compared to previous years the production level will rise significantly. In 2009 we will complete purchase and installation of the technological equipment for creation of a producing unit for production of 7 types of defense goods.

Also a number of measures are intended to expand civil production on the enterprises of the defense industry this year", concluded the Minister of Defense Industry.