Russia has restored at least one Soviet An-124 heavy transport aircraft after decades of inactivity amid NATO expansion and increased cooperation between the bloc and Japan. This was reported by Military Watch Magazine.
According to media reports, the An-124 was de-preserved in Ulyanovsk for major repairs and modernization.
The An-124 is a very valuable asset for Russia and is the heaviest aircraft in the country's fleet. It will complement the lighter Il-76
In Soviet times, the An-124 was assembled in cooperation with Ukraine. Until 2013, Russia and Ukraine made attempts to restore production, as both countries had reserves for future aircraft. However, after 2014, Russia began to pursue this project independently.
Where the An-124 is Operated
As journalists note, heavy transport aircraft are suitable for delivering fighters and other weapons, and transferring soldiers. At the same time, they are operated not only by the Russian Aerospace Forces, but also by the civilian air carrier Volga-Dnepr. In the summer of 2023, Canada blocked one of the company's aircraft on its territory. The Russian carrier is trying to return the An-124 through the courts.
According to Military Watch Magazine, the An-124s were also used for flights between Russia and North Korea. The media has repeatedly written, claiming that the countries maintain military-technical cooperation.
What UAC Says
In mid-December 2023, the Russian Ministry of Defense conducted flight tactical exercises with crews of An-124-100 Ruslan military transport aircraft. The department checked the pilots' readiness for the simultaneous transfer of military personnel and military equipment over long distances.
The flights took place in difficult weather conditions. They were carried out at an altitude of more than 4 thousand m. The length of the route exceeded 1000 km, and the speed of the aircraft was 500 km/h. The air exercises were controlled by Lieutenant General Vladimir Benediktov.
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