Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin reiterated that the Russian Federation possesses ample opportunities to grow its aircraft industry and lessen its reliance on imported products. He spoke during an operational meeting with deputy prime ministers, with coverage provided by TASS. The statement underscored a clear policy aim: to accelerate domestic aircraft production and reduce the dependence on foreign components and assemblies that have historically shaped the sector’s supply chain.
The emphasis on boosting domestic output reflects a strategic decision to strengthen national aerospace capabilities, ensuring steadier production rhythms and greater control over key milestones in aircraft development, manufacturing, and maintenance. Mishustin’s remarks framed this initiative as essential not only for economic resilience but also for safeguarding national transport links and regional connectivity across Russia and its customers. The overarching objective is to ensure a robust, self-reliant aviation industry that can withstand external shocks and market fluctuations, as noted by multiple officials during the briefing.
According to Mishustin, a comprehensive program for advancing the aviation sector was developed and approved in 2022, with a focus on pushing the industry toward strategic self-sufficiency. He highlighted that under this program, significant milestones have been set for the Kazan Aviation Plant named after SP Gorbunov, aiming to raise the production of the Tu-214 long-range, narrow-body aircraft to ten units per year by 2025. These efforts are part of a broader plan to modernize facilities, upgrade equipment, and expand production capacity to meet growing demand from Russian airlines and other domestic operators.
He stressed that these long-range aircraft will be equipped almost entirely with domestically produced components, aligning with the goal of reducing import dependence and fostering homegrown supplier ecosystems. This approach is expected to stimulate innovation, shorten supply chains, and encourage investment in local research and development across the aerospace sector, while ensuring that the Tu-214 meets international safety and performance standards, as observed in official assessments and industry reviews.
With the needs of Russian airlines rising, the meeting also addressed funding measures designed to accelerate progress. Mishustin announced the allocation of an additional 42 billion rubles from the National Welfare Fund to support urgent needs in the aviation sector. The Kazan plant is projected to ramp up output to 20 aircraft per year, with the funds earmarked for technical re-equipment, modernization of manufacturing lines, and comprehensive personnel training. These investments are intended to create a more skilled workforce capable of sustaining higher production levels and improving overall efficiency across the plant and its suppliers, according to government statements and subsequent analyses.
Officials pointed out that the new funding will help bridge gaps in the current supply chain, upgrade testing and quality control processes, and accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies. The emphasis on workforce development aims to produce highly qualified specialists who can operate and maintain modern aerospace equipment, support continuous quality improvement, and ensure compliance with evolving aerospace standards. This approach aligns with broader state policies favoring durable, high-tech industry leadership and greater self-sufficiency in strategic sectors.
In closing remarks, Mishustin reaffirmed the government’s resolve to advance the aviation sector while maintaining alignment with national leadership and long-term industrial strategy. The discussion underscored a coordinated effort across ministries, regional authorities, and industry partners to ensure that Russia’s aviation capabilities grow in a stable, sustainable manner, with the first goals centered on domestic production, local supply chain reinforcement, and strategic automation initiatives. The emphasis throughout the meeting was on practical steps—equipment upgrades, workforce training, and optimized logistics—to sustain progress toward the 2025 production targets and beyond, as reflected in official policy summaries and ongoing program evaluations.