Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the Baku instrument making plant of the Ministry of Defense Industry

President Ilham Aliyev has participated in the post-reconstruction opening of the Baku instrument making plant of the Jihaz Production Association under the Ministry of Defense Industry.

At first, the head of state laid flowers at the bust of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev in the courtyard of the plant.

It was indicated that the enterprises, which started operating under the name of the Baku instruments plant within Azneftmash Trust in 1942, was passed on to the USSR Ministry of Oil Industry in 1949 and named the Baku instrument making plant. In 1993, the plant was passed into the subordination of the State Committee on special mechanical engineering and conversion of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The President of Azerbaijan cut a ribbon symbolizing the opening of the plant.

While touring the office building of the plant, the head of state watched a video documenting the plight of the enterprise before reconstruction. It was indicated that the plant has been operating as part of the Jihaz Production Association of the Ministry of Defense Industry since 2006. Major reconstruction and refurbishment work has been carried out at the enterprise in recent years. The two-storey office building has been renovated to the highest standards. There are security cameras on the premises, while all offices are fitted with modern equipment. 

President Ilham Aliyev was familiarized with the Museum of Heydar Aliyev established on the second floor. It was noted that the photographs displayed at the museum document various moments of great leader Heydar Aliyev’s multifaceted activities at different periods of leadership in Azerbaijan. Of particular interest are photographs depicting the invaluable contribution of the genius leader to the development of the national army. 

The President was informed that the conference hall for various activities can seat up to 100 people, while the 90-people canteen has all the conditions for quality nutrition of employees. There is also a lounge here.

Extensive improvement and landscaping work has been carried out at the plant. All communication lines, including water supply and ventilation systems, have been renewed, and new transformers installed.

President Ilham Aliyev also visited production sites. During familiarization with the mechanical assembly workshop, it was noted that a series of reconstruction measures had been taken at the enterprise in recent years, that machinery and equipment made in developed countries have been installed. As a result, along with the execution of state orders, the plant has started, over a short period of time, the production of equipment and spare parts used in other areas, in particular in oil production. The foundry workshop will be producing blocks for both defense and civilian use, as well as distribution and transmission shields.

The head of state watched the production process. It was indicated that the forging shop had also been renovated. The shop now operates at full capacity. The galvanization shop is also equipped with modern facilities. The shop will provide coating of all equipment and parts with various chemical substances. This is where the processes of zincing, chrome plating, nickel plating, anodic coating, oxidation and tin coating will be carried out. 

President Ilham Aliyev visited the special purpose assembly shop. Laser engraving equipment is installed here. The equipment, working with a special computer software, will be manufacturing plates for appliances and parts. The tool manufacturing springs is also linked to a computer with special software.

The head of state reviewed finished products manufactured and processed at the Baku instrument making plant. President Ilham Aliyev was informed in detail of the products and spare parts of the defense profile. It was also noted that the plant manufactures 18 types of new products for enterprises of the State Oil Company, which has made it possible to increase the assortment of civilian products from 29 to 47.

President Ilham Aliyev also visited the mechanical processing shop. It was noted that the shop’s equipment had been profoundly updated. The new production sector operates two technological lines, 57 machines and equipment with the latest software. The available universal lathes, multi-axis and vertical milling machines, grinding units, the vertical processing unit, the bending machine, compressors and other machinery enable prompt and efficient fulfillment of orders. Thanks to all this, commercial production of defense products of seven denominations envisaged under the program for state defense purchases has commenced. In the near future, the assortment of such products will be increased to 12 types.

The head of state also examined the special purpose repair workshop, the maintenance and machine assembly shops.

It was indicated that in 2009-2010 the enterprise successfully continued work on improving T-72 tanks and Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) and Combat Reconnaissance Patrol Vehicles (CRPV) armored vehicles. In accordance with the state defense order for the current year, armored vehicles APC-70 CRPV-2M are to undergo renovation and upgrade. The Commander-in-Chief was informed in detail of the process of upgrade of the said hardware. Both types of armored vehicles have been upgraded and the control system simplified. Most importantly, fire risks have been completely eliminated. 

President Ilham Aliyev was also informed of the cutting-edge Shimshek technology and the easy management project. The advantage of the project, prepared jointly by the Baku instrument making plant and South African company EWT, is the presence of a day- and night-vision camera. In addition, the Shimshek technology is capable of controlling laser targeting, ballistic computer and weaponry systems. One of the main distinctive features of Shimshek is the presence of a perfect fire control system.

It was noted that the plant currently employs 170 people. The establishment of a new manufacturing site is expected to lead to the opening of a further 100 jobs, thus bringing the number of employees to 280 people.

The head of state also examined mine protected armored vehicles Matador and Marauder.

It was indicated that the armored vehicles had been assembled on a license of South African Paramount Group and brought to operable condition. Fitted largely with 14.5 and 12.7 caliber machine-guns, these armored vehicles have V-shaped chassis. The vehicles are designed to transport personnel and ensure protection from mines, shell fragments and ballistic attacks.

Then, President Ilham Aliyev watched the trials of armored vehicles manufactured at the plant. It was indicated that the stability of the hardware was checked at a 25-degree slant to the left and to the right. Attention is also paid to the capacity of armored vehicles, their stability and the reliability of their braking system during descent and ascent on a 30-degree slant. Vehicles also pass water barriers 1.5 meters deep. During such trials, their air-tightness and controllability is examined. In the end, armored vehicles pass high-amplitude barriers, which is intended to examine their rocking capacity.

The head of state wished the plant personnel further successes and issued instructions and recommendations.