Russia and Belarus discuss added costs for joint LMS-192 Osvey turboprop

Russia and Belarus are working through disagreements over extra costs tied to their shared LMS-192 Osvey aircraft program, according to Russian industry and trade minister Anton Alikhanov. He said coordination difficulties emerged with future civilian and military customers, and that similar friction had already surfaced during the preliminary design phase.

Final design documentation is currently being completed, Alikhanov said. Only once that work is finished will it be possible to estimate how much continuing the project will actually cost.

The two countries are already in talks over how to divide any additional expenses that arise from new requirements, the minister added. No figures were given for the potential overrun.

The LMS-192 Osvey is a 19-seat turboprop intended to replace the aging Let L-410 in regional service. It was originally planned for first assembly in 2026, though the cost dispute raises questions about whether that timeline will hold.

On the Belarusian side, the 558th Aircraft Repair Plant in Brest is involved in the program. Russia's main industrial partner is Uzga, the Ural Civil Aviation Plant.

No further details were provided on certification plans, expected entry into service, or the scale of anticipated orders from either country's civil or military operators.