**Ukraine’s Antonov Successfully Relocates Modernized Cargo Plane to Germany**
In a rare and significant achievement, Ukraine’s Antonov company has successfully relocated a modernized Ukrainian An-124 Ruslan cargo aircraft from Ukraine to Germany. The plane, which had been extensively upgraded, took off from Kyiv on July 11th, marking its first flight since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The An-124 Ruslan, originally produced in 1994 and bearing serial number 0706, had accumulated over 21,000 flight hours across more than 5,500 flights before undergoing a major overhaul. The modernization project began in 2021, with the goal of replacing critical components originally manufactured in Russia with modern parts sourced from Western and Ukrainian suppliers.
Despite the challenges posed by wartime conditions, the Antonov team was able to resume and complete the project in June 2025. The relocation of the Ruslan is a testament to the resilience and professionalism of Ukrainian aircraft engineers, according to Antonov’s statement. The upgraded aircraft will now serve international operations.
**A Symbol of Unity and Resilience**
The successful relocation of the An-124 Ruslan is more than just a technical achievement – it symbolizes the unity and resilience of Ukraine in the face of adversity. The country has faced significant challenges since Russia’s full-scale invasion, including the destruction of its largest cargo plane, the An-225 Mriya.
That aircraft was destroyed during a Russian air strike on Hostomel Airport near Kyiv in the early days of the invasion. The former director of Antonov, Serhii Bychkov, was charged with negligence for allegedly failing to evacuate the Mriya despite repeated warnings. Ukraine’s Security Service estimated the damage to the state at over Hr 8.4 billion ($227.8 million).
**A New Era for International Operations**
With the An-124 Ruslan now safely relocated to Germany, Antonov can focus on expanding its international operations. The company has confirmed that its current fleet has been moved to secure locations under internal safety protocols.
This development is a significant step forward for Ukraine’s aviation industry and demonstrates the country’s commitment to innovation and resilience in the face of adversity. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how this achievement translates into new opportunities for international cooperation and collaboration.
**What’s Next?**
The relocation of the An-124 Ruslan is a major milestone for Antonov and Ukraine as a whole. As we look to the future, it’s clear that this achievement will have far-reaching implications for the country’s aviation industry and its relationships with international partners.
Stay tuned for further updates on this story and more from Ukraine and around the world.
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