The Ukrainian defense ministry has ordered three AN-178 military transport aircraft from aircraft manufacturer Antonov, marking the first such order in 29 years.
The locally-built AN-178 will be the first aircraft purchased since the country gained its independence in 1991.
Antonov is scheduled to start deliveries of the aircraft in 2023.
The AN-178 can be used for the delivery of personnel, weapons and light military equipment by landing and parachute methods, as well as for cargo transportation.
“These new aircraft will be built by Ukrainian citizens, from Ukrainian components, for Ukrainian interests. In fact, this is how it should be,” Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented.
He also urged the government to work on the establishment of a Ukrainian airline in 2021, which would use Antonov aircraft.
The Ukrainian Air Force transport fleet currently consists of An-26, An-70 and Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft.
