The aggressor country of russia seeks to expand the production of combat aircraft in the medium and long term, but a number of factors, including sanctions and personnel shortages, are preventing this. This is stated in a new report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The analysts refer to an investigation by the Finnish publication Yle, according to which from mid-2024 to May 2025, russia built or reconstructed at least five facilities at the Kazan Aviation Plant. The total area of the new facilities is 19,000 square meters.
This is an enterprise that is engaged in the production and modernization of Tupolev strategic aircraft (Tu-160M, Tu-160M2, Tu-22M3), as well as helicopters. The expansion of capacities is planned to continue until the end of 2026.
In January 2025, russian officials announced that the company had opened a new workshop and purchased modern equipment. They also announced plans to build four Tu-214 aircraft by the end of 2025, seven in 2026, 17 in 2027, and 28 units by 2028.
However, as ISW notes, the russian federation's ambitions are significantly limited. Last year, the plant delivered only two Tu-160M2s and two Tu-160Ms.
"Sanctions, as well as a shortage of parts and labor, are likely to continue to slow down aircraft production in russia, even as russia works to expand its physical production capacity," the report emphasized.
Recall that the summer offensive of the aggressor state's army is slowing down just a few weeks after it began, despite a record number of attacks on several fronts. The large number of attacks did not lead to significant breakthroughs on the battlefield.
Who we are: About us, Contacts. How we write news and our principles: Editorial code. We did our best. If you found this valuable – please support us.
To request a correction, please send an email.