Russia continues to push for an import-substituted version of the MC-21 medium-range airliner. In a televised interview, Anton Alikhanov, the minister of industry and trade, outlined several near term milestones for the program. He spoke to Russia-24 about progress and what the industry expects in the coming months. The goal is clear. The aim is to cut dependence on foreign suppliers and to strengthen domestic capabilities in aerostructure, systems, and assembly lines. The minister stressed that the path is iterative rather than sudden. It starts with certifying key Russian powerplants and avionics, then validating a fully domestic version through a series of flight tests and ground checks. The broader backdrop is a national push to preserve strategic airworthiness by aligning engineering, manufacturing, and certification into a single national chain. The industry has watched closely as supply constraints and sanctions shifted the focus toward self reliance in critical aerospace segments.
On the Irkutsk production front there are noticeable improvements. The PD-14 engine has already earned industry certification, creating a credible foundation for a domestic variant of the MC-21 to fly within the year. Aviation officials note that flights are already taking place with a mix of partially imported systems, and the objective remains to complete testing with the PD-14 and the entire onboard suite fully produced in Russia. In practical terms this means engines, avionics, and many subassemblies would be sourced domestically, reducing exposure to external supply chains. The domestic version would align with government and industry programs aimed at expanding sovereign capability in civil aviation and maintaining the flexibility to respond to market demand in both regional and international routes.
Last week there was talk of modifying the MS-21 with a shortened fuselage section. This approach could offer airlines options to optimize capacity and utilization, enabling more flexible seat configurations and payload for regional and domestic routes. The idea fits into a larger strategy to tailor the aircraft family to evolving market needs while keeping the platform compatible with existing maintenance and training ecosystems.
Prior to these updates, Western suppliers contributed to the MS-21 program, and flight tests of the imported model were conducted with the intent to begin operations by the end of the current year. The shift away from Western suppliers began after sanctions in 2018, prompting a rework of the airplane to rely on domestic components. The reassessment has not halted the project; instead it accelerated the transition to a domestically sourced supply chain. The result is a more resilient program that seeks to protect aviation manufacturing from external shocks while maintaining performance standards.
Kursk region drones enter service as part of regional programs to boost delivery, surveillance and testing within the defense posture and regional services.
Taken together, these developments reflect a comprehensive approach to build a self reliant aerospace sector. The push covers design, propulsion, electronics, and airframe assembly, with the goal of giving airlines a reliable choice that does not hinge on overseas suppliers. Analysts argue that the shift could influence export prospects as well, since a fully domestic supply chain makes certification and after sales support less dependent on external factors. The PD-14 engine and the MC-21 platform are central to this plan, acting as a proving ground for national capability and a model for future aviation projects.
While challenges remain, the trajectory suggests Russia intends to keep pace with demand for modern, efficient medium haul airliners by leaning on home grown engineering and manufacturing. The confluence of certification steps, domestic production readiness, and new variants signals a more autonomous aviation industry that can compete in the regional market while pursuing opportunities abroad.