The certification process for the import-substituted version of Russia’s advanced passenger aircraft, the MS-21, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Dmitry Yadrov, head of the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia), announced that there are still five foreign-made systems and subsystems at the Irkutsk aircraft factory that need to be replaced.
Yadrov stated that the MS-21 includes more than 200 systems and subsystems in total, noting, “Currently, in the final stages, we have five systems and subsystems: the anti-icing system, water vacuum system, collision warning system, airborne radar, and power supply.”
The agency head emphasized that once these works are completed, a clear schedule for MS-21 production will be established, and decisive steps toward mass production are being taken. Yadrov also added that the MS-21 prototype has successfully completed 19 certification flights to date, bench tests are actively ongoing, and the necessary supporting documentation has been provided.
The import-substituted version of the MS-21 is seen as an important part of Russia’s strategy to reduce foreign dependency in the aviation industry and increase domestic production.
