Russian Military Transport Aircraft An-72 Explodes at Moscow Airfield

On December 12, a Russian Antonov An-72 military transport aircraft exploded at the Ostafyevo airfield in Moscow region, according to a report by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) on December 20.

The explosion occurred when the aircraft’s main power unit detonated. The An-72, operated by the Russian Navy, has been rendered inoperable. The estimated value of the destroyed aircraft is approximately $4.5 million.

The An-72, known by its NATO codename ‘Coaler,’ is a short takeoff and landing (STOL) military transport aircraft. It is the only jet-powered military transport aircraft of its kind that was in production, offering unique capabilities for tactical missions.

Earlier, Ukrainian HUR conducted a special operation, destroying a Su-30 fighter jet and 3 locomotives in Russia on December 13-14.