In the last days of December 2025, the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) commissioned the seventh serial military transport aircraft Il-76MD-90A, manufactured at the Ulyanovsk branch of PJSC "Il" - the "Aviastar" enterprise, which is part of the structure of PJSC "United Aircraft Corporation" (UAC).

According to available data, the aircraft with the presumed serial number 0501 and tail number RF-78686 made its first flight on December 7, 2025, at the airfield in Ulyanovsk. Thus, during 2025, "Aviastar" handed over seven new Il-76MD-90A aircraft to the VKS. 

Il-76MD-90A is a deeply modernized version of the Soviet military transport aircraft Il-76. The main differences of the new model include the installation of modern PS-90A-76 turbofan engines, a digital "glass" cockpit with an integrated control system, a reinforced chassis and fuselage, as well as expanded capabilities for operation from unprepared airfields.

The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is 210 tons, the practical flight range is up to 4,200 km with a maximum load of 50 tons. The aircraft is capable of transporting up to 126 paratroopers or oversized equipment, including combat vehicles and modular cargo.

Read more materials on the topic:

• "Aviastar" was tasked with increasing the production of Il-76MD-90A
• Russian Il-76MD-90A(E) Arrived at the Dubai Airshow: The Transporter Will Once Again Demonstrate Its Capabilities
• Five Il-76MD-90A Aircraft Failed: Defective Bearings Put Military Aviation at Risk