MOSCOW– 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 while approving financial support for the first three production IL-114-300 turboprop aircraft.
The announcement comes as the government accelerates efforts to replace foreign-built aircraft with domestically manufactured models.
Flag carrier Aeroflot (SU) 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.
MC-21 Production in Russia
Russian 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.
According to Russian media reports, 18 MC-21-310 aircraft are currently at different stages of assembly at Yakovlev’s Irkutsk Aircraft Plant.
The additional funding is intended to prevent production delays and support the planned delivery schedule through 2035.
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.
The government views the programme as a cornerstone of Russia’s strategy to build commercial aircraft without relying on foreign suppliers.
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.
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.
The aircraft programme gained greater strategic significance after Western sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted access to Airbus and Boeing aircraft, components, and technology.
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.
$32.8 Million Funding for IL-114
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.
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.
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.
Domestic Aviation in Russia
The latest funding package highlights Russia’s continued investment in domestically manufactured aircraft as it seeks to reduce dependence on imported aviation technology.
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.
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.
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.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
