MOSCOW. March 5 (Interfax) - Russia will be able to start serial production of D-18T domestic engines for Antonov An-124 Ruslan heavy military cargo planes at the end of 2027, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
"Work is in progress to launch serial production of Russian D-18T engines, which is due to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027. That will boost air transportation services for the Armed Forces," Shoigu said at a teleconference with Russian Armed Forces commanders.
The An-124 engines are undergoing an overhaul, he said.
"Forty-nine engines have been repaired and put into service to date. The overhaul and upgrade will extend the service life of An-124 aircraft from 20 to 45 years," Shoigu said.
The Ural Works of Civil Aviation is substituting Ukrainian engine components with domestic ones, he said.
An-124 Ruslan is the world's largest serial cargo plane designed by Ukraine's Antonov Bureau. An-124 production in Russia stopped in 2003, yet repairs and maintenance of the planes' airworthiness continue. In all, the Ulyanovsk Aviation Industrial Complex has made 36 An-124.