Rostec has announced that it is not currently planning to localize the production of the MC-21 aircraft in the UAE, but is leaving this option open. Sergey Chemezov, the head of the corporation, stated that the priority at this stage is to provide Russian airlines with MC-21 aircraft. Discussions about foreign production sites may begin only after domestic demand is met.
At the same time, Rostec is not abandoning exports. Chemezov emphasized that the certification tests of the MC-21 are ongoing, and the first serial aircraft should be produced next year. According to his statements, the first serial machines are expected in 2026.
Rostec also continues import substitution: more than 70 systems and components for the MC-21 have already been produced at Russian enterprises, which strengthens the technological independence of the project.
Thus, Rostec operates in two directions: it strengthens the domestic market while maintaining export prospects and keeping the possibility of localization abroad open.
Andrey Dutov, General Director of the National Research Center "Zhukovsky Institute", recently emphasized that new technologies transform the MC-21 into next-generation aircraft.
Earlier, www1.ru reported that Russian engineers from MAI have created "repair suitcases" for the rapid restoration of MC-21 aircraft.