By 2025, the number of military transport aircraft An-124 «Ruslan» and civilian An-124-100 from the same series [designed by Antonov Design Bureau - note. www1.ru editorship] should be doubled in Russia. Now there is a capability for national developers to upgrade them.

This was stated by the head of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Sergey Shoygu, at a meeting with the leadership of the UAC, which took place in Ulyanovsk at the PJSC «Ilyushin» - «Aviastar», where An planes are serviced and repaired.

The Russian newspaper writes that previously the country couldn't produce these aircraft due to difficulties with the engines. However, Shoygu said at the meeting that engines and power for Antonov's aircraft upgrade have already appeared in Russia.

The planes designed by Antonov Design Bureau were produced with the D-18T engine [the engines were produced at the Motor Sich factory in Ukraine, which was nationalized in 2022 - note. www1.ru editorship]. It is expected that PD-3 turbofan engines with a thrust of up to 40 tons at takeoff will be installed on «Ruslan».

Production of such engines is planned to start soon. Besides the engine, the planes will receive a new defense system, which will make An-124 safer.