In February 2026, an important development in the transport and engineering sector of Russia was quietly transformed from concept to physical reality. At the Ural Locomotives facility in Verkhnyaya Pyshma, near Yekaterinburg, the first set of 43 high-speed passenger trains that have been ordered is currently being assembled. These trains are capable of reaching speeds of up to 400 kilometers per hour. This project represents a major developmental milestone: for the first time in the nation’s history, a train that is manufactured domestically is being designed with the intention of operating at world-class speeds on high-speed rail.
The train, which often refers to the “Bely Krechet” (White Gyrfalcon) initiative, is designed to operate on the Moscow–Saint Petersburg line of Russia’s prospective high-speed rail network. The first trainsets are anticipated to undergo certification testing in 2027, with passenger service starting later in the decade.
From Workshop to Prototype: How the First Cars Are Being Built
The first cars are nearly finished being assembled within the production halls. The bodies of the first motor car and an intermediate non-motor car have been welded by engineers, and they will serve as the foundation for early testing. Precision machining was performed on modern milling machines to produce large structural assemblies, including side panels, end partitions, roof sections, and load-bearing frameworks.
The driver’s cab frame assembly has been one of the most challenging duties. The train’s aerodynamic nose profile is achieved through the meticulous design of its geometry, which simultaneously ensures structural strength and safety while minimizing drag at extremely high speeds. These design considerations are essential when accelerating rail vehicles toward the 400 km/h threshold, as even minor aerodynamic inefficiencies can have a substantial impact on energy consumption and performance.
The complexity of coordinating multiple supply chains and engineering teams for a project of this magnitude is reflected in the fact that production of key components, such as wheelset axles and bogie frames, began well before final assembly, as indicated by previous reports.
Lightweight Aluminum Construction and Aerodynamics
The use of extruded aluminum profiles for the car bodies is a distinctive feature of the new train. In comparison to conventional steel construction, aluminum significantly reduces weight, sometimes by as much as three times. This reduction in weight results in a reduction in track wear and dynamic stresses on infrastructure under high-speed conditions.
Additionally, the energy efficiency and acceleration are improved by the lighter structure. Aerodynamics has been a focus of engineering, as engineers have developed a body shape that minimizes the drag coefficient. This not only decreases power consumption but also reduces pollution levels, which is a critical factor in ensuring passenger comfort and environmental compliance along densely populated corridors.
This design philosophy is consistent with the global high-speed rail industry, which emphasizes the importance of streamlined forms and lightweight materials for the secure operation of trains traveling at speeds exceeding 300 km/h.
Strict Quality Control at Every Stage
Throughout the production process, quality assurance is of paramount importance due to the safety requirements of high-speed rail. Radiographic analysis of weld seams, dye penetrant testing to identify surface defects, and visual examination comprise the initial layers of inspection administered to automobile bodies.
High-precision laser coordinate measurement systems are used to conduct final geometric verification, guaranteeing that each component conforms to rigorous tolerances. Even minor deviations can have a significant impact on long-term durability, ride quality, and stability at velocities approaching 400 km/h, rendering such meticulous inspections indispensable.
The Road to Certification and Testing
The vehicles will then proceed to the outfitting phase, which involves the installation of onboard technologies, traction equipment, interiors, and electrical systems, following the completion of assembly and painting. Certification trials are anticipated to commence in 2027 for two trainsets that have been completed.
High-speed runs, aerodynamic validation, braking performance evaluations, and system reliability tests under a variety of climatic conditions are likely to be included in the testing process. The trains must operate consistently in temperatures that range from severe winter cold to summer heat due to the extensive geography of Russia. This requirement influences engineering decisions, including the selection of materials and the protection of electronics.
Production Plans for the Year 2030
By 2030, 43 trains are to be delivered as part of the manufacturing program. A new production facility with an estimated 67,000 square meters of floor space is being built in Verkhnyaya Pyshma to facilitate this project. Construction and equipment installation are currently in their final phases, and commissioning is anticipated to occur by the end of 2026.
The project’s scale is underscored by the expansion, which does not just concentrate on the construction of trains but also on the establishment of a domestic industrial foundation that can support high-speed rail development for decades.
Created for the inaugural high-speed rail line in Russia
The Moscow–Saint Petersburg high-speed railway, which is Russia’s most significant infrastructure initiative, will serve as the main deployment route. It is anticipated that the line will reduce the travel time between the two cities to approximately two hours and fifteen minutes, which is approximately half the time of current services.
The trains are equipped with a traction system that generates over 10 megawatts of power and has a capacity of approximately 450 passengers. Their design includes eight carriages. The network will be more flexible as a result of the dual-system electrical capability, which will enable operation under a variety of power supplies.
Future high-speed routes are envisaged to connect Moscow with locations such as Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Adler, and Minsk, in addition to the initial corridor. This could potentially establish a nationwide network of rapid intercity connections.
Technological Leap After Foreign Partnerships
In the past, the most advanced trains in Russia, such as the famed Sapsan, were significantly dependent on foreign technology partnerships. In recent years, domestic manufacturers have intensified their efforts to develop indigenous solutions as a result of the departure of international suppliers.
Drawing on the expertise acquired from previous initiatives such as the Finist platform and the Lastochka regional trains, the new high-speed train signifies an enormous leap toward technological autonomy. Engineers have capitalized on this foundation to confront the significantly more formidable obstacles of genuine high-speed operation.
Competing on a Global Scale
High-speed rail systems in countries such as China, Japan, and France operate at speeds exceeding 300 km/h on a global scale, with some test trips exceeding 400 km/h. By aiming to achieve comparable performance levels, Russia intends to become a member of the elite group of nations that are capable of developing and producing sophisticated high-speed rolling stock.
Experts have observed that the current program addresses all of the areas necessary for entry into this technological “club,” including signaling integration, aerodynamics, traction systems, and safety certification.
Economic and Strategic Implications
The initiative has broader economic implications in addition to its mobility benefits. The development of high-speed rail generates demand in a variety of sectors, such as electronics, construction, metallurgy, and digital systems. According to long-term projections, the network’s expansion may necessitate the acquisition of hundreds of high-speed trainsets, which would guarantee the creation of jobs and the maintenance of industrial activity.
It is also expected that better regional mobility, reduced reliance on short-haul flights, and economic integration across immense distances will be facilitated by improved connectivity between major cities.
Looking Ahead
The high-speed train program is a symbol of both a strategic ambition and an engineering challenge as the first vehicles are fabricated on the factory floor. The speed with which the trains transition from prototype to ordinary service will be determined by the upcoming years, particularly the 2027 certification trials.
The project has the potential to revolutionize intercity travel in Russia by introducing modern infrastructure, faster journeys, and a new chapter in domestic rail technology if it is effective. The spectacle of aluminum car bodies emerging from the assembly halls in the Urals is more than a manufacturing update; it is a glimpse into a future in which high-speed rail becomes a central pillar of national transportation.