- Category
- Latest news
Ukraine’s Antonov Revives Legendary An-124 With Western Tech, Completing First Flight Since Wartime Overhaul
- Authors
![Photo of Roman Kohanets]( "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
-111f0e5095e02c02446ffed57bfb0ab1.jpeg "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
The legendary Ukrainian An-124-100 “Ruslan” (serial no. 0706), extensively modernized by Antonov, completed a safe ferry flight from Kyiv to Leipzig, marking the culmination of a multi-year deep upgrade project, as was reported by CFTS on July 12.
Antonov PJSC has finalized its complex, multi-year program to deeply modernize one of its iconic An-124-100 transport aircraft.
Built in 1994, “Ruslan” had amassed over 21,000 flight hours and more than 5,500 sorties before entering the upgrade phase in 2021.
The modernization—led by Antonov’s in-house team—replaced all key components previously sourced from Russia with state-of-the-art Western and Ukrainian systems, including new engines, avionics, and expanded performance envelopes.
Despite being partially disassembled when the full-scale Russian aggression began in 2022, the Antonov team persevered through wartime disruptions to complete the overhaul by June 2025.
On July 11, the upgraded An-124-100 “Ruslan” undertook its first post-modernization flight, departing Kyiv and arriving safely at Leipzig, where Antonov’s commercial fleet is now based.
Starkes Zeichen des Widerstands gegen Putins Auslöschungsfantasien der Ukraine.
— Julian Röpcke🇺🇦 (@JulianRoepcke) July 11, 2025
Heute wurde über Kiew das erste zivile Flugzeug seit 40 Monaten gefilmt. Es handelt sich um eine Transportmaschine vom ukrainischen Typ Antonow An-124. pic.twitter.com/UJ53RaCUjs
Now bearing the slogan “BE BRAVE LIKE IRPIN” in honor of the city in Kyiv region that endured Russian occupation in 2022, the aircraft will soon resume international cargo operations under its new certification.
Antonov’s CEO, Oleksandr Donets, remarked, “This relocation is more than a technical milestone; it symbolizes the resilience, professionalism, and unity of Ukrainian aerospace engineers. With its enhanced capabilities, ‘Ruslan’ will continue serving Ukraine on global routes under secure conditions.”
Earlier, it was reported that a Ukrainian Antonov An-124 “Ruslan” transport aircraft delivered a Super Puma multipurpose helicopter to Réunion Island, underscoring its continued role in humanitarian and infrastructure support missions.
