The government plans to sign an ambitious aerospace programme with Russia which will include technology transfer and the launching of communications satellites, the government said today.

Science, Technology and Environment deputy minister Zainal Dahlan told parliament an agreement would be inked during an upcoming visit to Malaysia by his Russian counterpart I I Klebanov, but he gave no date for the trip.

Negotiations on the deal were held during the visit by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to Russia recently, Bernama news agency said.

Zainal said that the cooperation agreement would include the launch of a remote sensing satellite and a ground control station to be jointly built by a Russian aerospace firm NPO Mashinostroenla and a Malaysian company Astronautic Technology Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

NSA in July

The formation of Malaysia's National Space Agency was now in the final stages and would be in operation by July, he said.

"Hopefully the agency will streamline the country's infrastructure for the aerospace industry."

During his recent visit to Russia, Mahathir said Malaysia was considering a deal to buy Russian military aircraft.

Russia announced last October it would export anti-tank missile systems to Malaysia under the terms of a partnership deal dating back to 1994, when Russia sold MiG-29 fighter jets to Malaysia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had said he regarded Malaysia "as a reliable partner and a reliable friend".