In early December 2025, important announcements were made regarding the future of Avistar, the Ulyanovsk aircraft manufacturing facility within the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). Based on information disclosed on Telegram by Governor Alexey Russkikh, the facility has been assigned the responsibility of greatly boosting its production output. This step is preceded by another important event for the enterprise and the region: on December 2, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Avistar branch of PJSC Il in 2026. Governor Russkikh relayed his trust that federal assistance would serve as a catalyst for Avistar’s growth and facilitate the simultaneous implementation of new infrastructure initiatives within the region.
Avistar boasts an outstanding past and holds a vital position within Russian aviation. The division of PJSC Il was founded on June 10, 1976, coinciding with the commencement of construction on the plant’s primary facility in Ulyanovsk. Over the course of time, an entire residential district known as Novyy Gorod developed on former fields and pastures, now accommodating approximately 140,000 residents. Over the course of several decades, Avistar established itself as a key hub within Russia’s aerospace sector, manufacturing important military transport aircraft and underpinning a wide range of employment opportunities, infrastructure development, social initiatives, and the training of successive generations of aviation professionals. In the present environment of sanctions, import substitution, and supply chain restructuring, the facility continues to hold strategic significance. With the scheduled large-scale modernization and expansion, Avistar’s position could become ever more important not only for the aviation sector but also for the socio-economic stability of the Ulyanovsk region.
Currently, Avistar serially manufactures modernized heavy military transport aircraft Il-76MD-90A in conjunction with refueling tankers Il-78M-90A derived from them. The facility additionally produces components for various other projects, including the medium-range passenger aircraft MC-21, the light transport aircraft Il-112V, and the regional aircraft Il-114-300. Nevertheless, the production volumes for the Il-76MD-90A remain comparatively limited, with six aircraft manufactured in 2024 and seven in 2025. This is due to the complicated technological requirements of the modernized aircraft, which comprise new engines, redesigned wings, reinforced landing gear, upgraded radio and navigation systems, and advanced protection systems. Production cannot be scaled up without comprehensive modernization, capacity enhancement, procurement of equipment, and stabilization of supply chains. This is why Governor Russkikh underscored the objective of increasing production output, with federal authorities pledging support as a crucial incentive to address technological constraints and augment capacity.
One of the major announcements was Avistar’s intention to start production of two new aircraft models: the Il-100 and Il-276. The Il-276 is a smaller, twin-engine variant of the Il-76, featuring a reduced payload capacity while being more appropriately adapted for particular military and transport operations. According to Russkikh, this aircraft will occupy a specific role within military transport capabilities. The Il-100 is an upcoming project that closely resembles, in many aspects, the well-known heavy transport aircraft typically compared to the An-124 Ruslan, and it is presently in the design stage. The deployment of these new models necessitates extensive technical reconfiguration of Avistar, with preliminary estimates indicating an initial investment of approximately 48 billion rubles. The funds are expected to be allocated for the acquisition of modern equipment and the replacement of obsolete machinery. This phase extends beyond merely expanding the product portfolio; when integrated with workforce development, technological renewal, and governmental backing, it has the potential to position Avistar as one of Russia’s principal hubs for transport aviation in the years ahead.
Alongside the new aircraft development initiatives, a significant endeavor is underway to expand the workforce. The objective is to expand Avistar’s workforce from approximately 12,000 to approximately 20,000 employees. This expansion necessitates not only the recruitment of personnel but also the training of specialists, including engineers, technicians, and experts skilled in advanced aviation technologies. The facility currently implements a personnel training program as part of national and regional initiatives supporting the aviation and engineering sectors. Social support initiatives are also being implemented, providing employees with assistance for mortgages via lump-sum payments and partial interest subsidies, with the goal of retaining and attracting skilled personnel. Simultaneously, modernization efforts are in progress, with the implementation of new machine tools and equipment upgrades enabling the facility to fulfill production requirements for the assembly of new aircraft.
Federal support has played an integral part in these developments, as exemplified by the presidential decree commemorating the 50th anniversary of Avistar. Governor Russkikh remarked that this milestone serves not only as a cause for celebration but also as an opportunity to stimulate enterprise growth, enhance regional infrastructure, and improve living conditions in the so-called “city of aircraft manufacturers.” Infrastructure projects may encompass residential development, social aid programs, transportation enhancements, and improvements to the comfort and well-being of workers and veterans. Given the scope of modernization and production expansion initiatives, Avistar is positioned to serve as a catalyst for economic development, not only within the aviation sector but also for the surrounding region, enhancing employment opportunities, income levels, technical infrastructure, and social welfare.
Despite these ambitious plans, numerous challenges and risks persist. Technological and manufacturing complexity constitute important factors; modern airplanes demand advanced equipment, highly experienced personnel, and efficient supply chain management. Until the reequipping process is finalized, obsolete equipment may impede production efficiency. The workforce challenge continues to be urgent, as training and retaining specialists require time amidst a longstanding shortage of qualified labor in Russian aviation and engineering. Financially, despite the allocation of billions, success relies on prompt funding and effective utilization of resources; delays, corruption, or bureaucratic barriers may hinder progress. Market demand remains uncertain: new aircraft such as the Il-100 and Il-276 predominantly address military requirements; thus, their demand is contingent upon government procurement, defense policies, and budget allocations. External factors, including sanctions, logistical challenges, import substitution, and disruptions in component supply, introduce further complexities.
If all activities proceed according to plan, these developments have the potential to yield major advantages. For the region, there will be an increase in employment opportunities, the attraction of highly trained professionals, the development of new social initiatives, improved living standards, and upgraded infrastructure—potentially revitalizing the so-called “city of aircraft builders.” For the industry, Avistar has the potential to establish itself as a flagship of Russian aviation, particularly in the domain of military transport, with the introduction of new aircraft and expanded production capacity enhancing the nation’s defense and transportation capabilities. For the economy, increased production, more comprehensive enterprise utilization, stimulation of supply chains, and growth in associated industries such as metalworking, engineering, and composites could exert a positive influence on the entire industrial ecosystem. Symbolically, commemorating the plant’s 50th anniversary and designating 2026 as the “Year of the Aircraft Builder” in the Ulyanovsk Region affirms the government’s perspective of Avistar as a long-term strategic priority.
Avistar is currently approaching a potential turning point in its history. Established fifty years ago as the leading domestic aviation company, it has undergone decades of fluctuations amidst evolving political and economic conditions. New challenges such as sanctions, import substitution, and technological modernization have required the reconfiguration of production strategies and future planning. Today, owing to political commitment, federal backing, and regional prioritization, Avistar has the opportunity not only to safeguard its existing capabilities but also to substantially broaden them. Initiating serial production of the new Il-100 and Il-276 models, increasing output of the Il-76MD-90A, implementing extensive technical enhancements, and expanding the workforce collectively indicate an ambitious initiative poised to advance Russia’s aviation industry in the coming years. However, the outcome largely depends on proficient management, disciplined financial practices, and the successful resolution of technological and personnel obstacles. If effectively implemented, Avistar might rise to a new tier and restore its position as the famous aviation leader intended in 1976.