Putin Visits Irkutsk Aviation Plant, Reviews Russia’s Indigenous MC-21 and Yak-130M Aircraft Programmes
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
Irkutsk, Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Irkutsk Aviation Plant on Friday to review the country’s latest advancements in aircraft manufacturing and domestically developed aerospace technologies. The visit highlighted Russia’s continued efforts to strengthen its civil and defense aviation sectors through indigenous production.
During the visit, President Putin toured the production facilities where the MC-21–310 passenger aircraft is being assembled using entirely Russian-made components. According to official information, the aircraft is being produced under Russia’s import substitution programme, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign technologies. Currently, 18 MC-21 aircraft are at various stages of production, and the President inspected one of the completed airliners.
President Putin also examined a prototype of the upgraded Yak-130M aircraft. Officials stated that the modernized combat aircraft is designed to perform fighter, assault, and strike missions, including operations against heavy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned surface vessels.
The President was accompanied by Irkutsk Region Governor Igor Kobzev, Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov, and Irkutsk Aviation Plant Director General Andrei Soinov during the inspection.
A Strategic Aviation Hub
Established in 1934, the Irkutsk Aviation Plant has played a significant role in Russia’s aerospace industry for decades. During World War II, the facility produced nearly 2,200 combat aircraft. Today, it is regarded as one of Russia’s most advanced aviation manufacturing enterprises, carrying out the complete production cycle—from aircraft design and engineering to serial manufacturing and maintenance.
The plant currently employs nearly 11,000 people and serves as a major center for both civilian and military aircraft production.
Focus on Domestic Aerospace Capability
The visit underscored Russia’s emphasis on expanding its domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities amid ongoing efforts to localize critical technologies. The MC-21 programme, in particular, represents a key initiative to develop next-generation commercial aircraft using locally produced systems and components.
The inspection also reflected the government’s continued focus on supporting the country’s aviation industry through technological development and industrial modernization.
Editor’s Note: This report is based on information published by the official website of the President of Russia. The statements and descriptions in this article reflect the official account of the visit released by the Russian government.
