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Russia has successfully flown a second prototype of its MC-21 medium-haul passenger jet made entirely with domestic components, the country’s industry and trade ministry announced Tuesday.
The test marks another step in Russia’s efforts to replace Western aircraft parts amid sanctions that have restricted access to foreign-made components and slowed production.
The new MC-21 aircraft took off from the Irkutsk aviation plant operated by Yakovlev, part of United Aircraft Corporation under the state conglomerate Rostec.
The ministry shared images of the flight on its Telegram channel, noting that the test involved Russian-made onboard systems and PD-14 turbofan engines, replacing the previously used imported parts.
Due to Western sanctions following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s aircraft industry has faced challenges in maintaining production levels.
By August, only one of 15 planned aircraft deliveries for the year had been completed, the ministry said.
Designed to carry around 175 passengers in a two-class configuration, the MC-21 is central to Moscow’s strategy to replace Airbus and Boeing jets that Russian airlines can no longer service under sanctions.
Earlier versions of the aircraft used foreign components, which resulted in a lighter build but limited range and fuel efficiency, according to a Russian aviation source.
The MC-21 is produced by Rostec, which also oversees the manufacturing of other passenger aircraft such as the Superjet-100, Tupolev Tu-214, and Ilyushin models. The company expects first deliveries of the MC-21 by late 2026 and plans to increase annual production to 36 units by 2030.
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