Securing the return to service of Antonov’s stranded An-124s would, of course, help to relieve this extra burden, but the complicated nature of Ukraine’s airspace where neither side has true air superiority means that any flight would face a certain amount of risk of being shot down. Additionally, considering the value of Antonov’s fleet to the nation as a whole, there is the possibility that Ukrainian Air Force fighter aircraft conducted defensive missions prior to and during the aircraft’s escape. The company says that the successful relocation of the aircraft is “a symbol of the stability, professionalism and unity of Ukrainian aircraft manufacturers.” UR-82073 will now join its sister aircraft serving Antonov’s global operations.
Author: Kai Greet
Published at: 2025-07-19 20:17:35
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