Russia to focus on its domestic MS-21 and SSJ-100 Superjet airliner projects

Russia said on Wednesday Mar. 16 it would accelerate the development of its domestic civil aerospace sector by focusing on flagship aircraft projects such as the Irkut MS-21, also known as the MC-21, and the Sukhoi Superjet.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has killed thousands, displaced more than 3 million people and raised fears of a major confrontation between Russia and the United States, the world’s two largest nuclear powers.

After the United States and Europe cut it off with retaliatory sanctions from parts of the world economy, Russia faces its worst economic crisis since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

“The work of these companies has not ceased and will not exist. Everyone continues to work,” said Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov, according to a government statement.

“I reiterate – we will continue to implement our flagship projects MS-21 and SSJ-100,” he said.

Borisov said Russia’s military aerospace industry has thrived despite working under sanctions since 2014, when Crimea was annexed by Ukraine. However, he acknowledged that the situation for the civilian sector is more difficult since so many projects depend on international cooperation.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia’s once powerful aerospace sector was in turmoil. Since President Vladimir Putin came to power in 1999, it has attempted to recapture market share from Boeing 737 Max and Airbus A320neo series.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100, Russia’s main domestically manufactured passenger aircraft, typically seats just under 100 passengers. Launched in 2011, it was designed to compete with Airbus, Bombardier and Embraer.

The medium-range Irkut MS-21/MC-21, with a potential capacity of over 200 passengers, is scheduled to enter service this year. Originally designed with US-made engines, it flew for the first time in December 2020 with Russian-built turbofans.

Both aircraft will be built by Irkut Corporation, part of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), and the engines will be built by United Engine Corporation, all majority-owned by Rostec, Russia’s state aerospace and defense conglomerate. are located.

Reuters.com by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Cynthia Osterman