{"id":152269,"date":"2026-07-31T19:02:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T13:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=152269"},"modified":"2026-07-31T18:22:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T12:52:13","slug":"russia-expands-investment-in-mc-21-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/31\/russia-expands-investment-in-mc-21-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Russia Pumps Millions Into MC-21 Production as Aeroflot Awaits 198 New Jets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

MOSCOW\u2013<\/strong> Russia has reinforced its commitment to building a self-reliant commercial aviation industry by allocating additional funding for serial production of the MC-21 passenger jet<\/a> while approving financial support for the first three production IL-114-300 turboprop aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The announcement comes as the government accelerates efforts to replace foreign-built aircraft with domestically manufactured models. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flag carrier Aeroflot (SU)<\/a> remains the launch customer for the MC-21-310, with deliveries expected after certification, while production continues at the Irkutsk Aircraft Plant. The first IL-114-300 aircraft are scheduled for Arkhangelsk Aviation Enterprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: By Denis Fedorko – http:\/\/russianplanes.net\/id210229, CC BY-SA 4.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=59349054<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MC-21 Production in Russia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Russian<\/a> Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin confirmed on July 30 that the government has secured financing to ensure uninterrupted production of the MC-21 programme through the next decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Russian media reports, 18 MC-21-310 aircraft are currently at different stages of assembly at Yakovlev’s Irkutsk Aircraft Plant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The additional funding is intended to prevent production delays and support the planned delivery schedule through 2035.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aeroflot is expected to become the first operator of the domestically produced narrowbody aircraft and is awaiting 198 MC-21-310s under its long-term fleet plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government views the programme as a cornerstone of Russia’s strategy to build commercial aircraft without relying on foreign suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earlier in July, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Irkutsk facility to inspect progress on the aircraft programme, underscoring its importance to the country’s aviation sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike earlier variants, the MC-21-310 is built entirely with Russian-made systems and components and is powered by the domestically developed PD-14 engine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft programme gained greater strategic significance after Western sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted access to Airbus<\/a> and Boeing aircraft<\/a>, components, and technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certification of the MC-21-310 is currently expected in June 2027, while development of the smaller MC-21-210 continues. Russia is targeting annual production of 36 MC-21 aircraft by 2032.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: By Papas Dos from Moscow, Russia – 91003 I114(LL) NPP RADAR OSF UUMO, CC BY 2.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=58462550<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

$32.8 Million Funding for IL-114<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alongside the MC-21 programme, Mishustin announced RUB 2.6 billion (approximately USD 32.8 million) in funding to complete the first three production IL-114-300 regional turboprops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft is being developed by Ilyushin, a subsidiary of Rostec’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), and received its type certificate in June 2026. The initial production aircraft will be delivered to Arkhangelsk Aviation Enterprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designed for regional operations, the IL-114-300 accommodates up to 68 passengers and offers a range of just over 1,000 nautical miles. Russian officials view the turboprop as an important addition to domestic regional connectivity, particularly on routes where larger jet aircraft are less economical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: By Dmitry Terekhov from Odintsovo, Russian Federation – MC-21-300, CC BY-SA 2.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=69904149<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Domestic Aviation in Russia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The latest funding package highlights Russia’s continued investment in domestically manufactured aircraft as it seeks to reduce dependence on imported aviation technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Government support for the MC-21 and IL-114-300 programmes follows several years of increased investment aimed at expanding indigenous aircraft production despite ongoing supply chain challenges and sanctions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Officials have repeatedly identified the MC-21 as the country’s flagship narrowbody programme, while the IL-114-300 is expected to strengthen regional air services across Russia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If production and certification remain on schedule, both aircraft will form a central part of Russia’s long-term commercial aviation strategy through the next decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Russia Merging Airlines Due to Shortage of New Aircraft and Engines<\/a><\/blockquote>