MOSCOW, April 24 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's defense industry increased production by 2.2% in the first quarter of 2008, year-on-year, the Industry and Energy Ministry said on Thursday.

The ministry said production increased in all sectors except the aircraft and shipbuilding industry, which posted a fall of 3.4% and 11.7%, respectively.

The highest growth was recorded in the rocket and space industry (29.1%) and the electronics sector (17.9%).

The ministry said the industry's civilian production grew 12.8%, year-on-year, accounting for 47.1% of the total.

Averages wages at defense firms grew 27.9% in the reporting period, to 13,591 rubles ($566) a month.

It added that average employee numbers fell 2.3%, year-on-year.