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Russian Defense Ministry plans to buy over 100 Il-76MD-90A planes before 2030

This is the main aircraft in Defense Ministry’s plans, the deputy prime minister said

ULYANOVSK, March 21./TASS/. The Russian Defense Ministry plans to buy more than 100 Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A military transport aircraft before 2030, as well as air tankers developed on their basis, Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov told journalists on Thursday.

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"This is the main aircraft in Defense Ministry’s plans. Potentially, the Defense Ministry plans to buy more than 100 aircraft, and this number grows if we add flying tankers produced on the basis of this plane," the deputy prime minister said.

Russia’s Defense Ministry signed a contract in 2012 under which Aviastar-SP enterprise is to manufacture 39 Il-76MD-90A for the Russian Armed Forces.

Il-76MD-90A is an upgraded Il-76 (Candid by NATO classification). A new navigational complex, automatic controls and communications increase flight safety and airdrop precision. The latest modification is distinguished by new equipment, including a glass cockpit, modern PS-90A-76 engines, a modified wing and reinforced chassis. Il-76MD-90A is used to develop Il-78M-90A air tanker.

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