According to the Department of Information and Mass Communications of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, on March 5, 2024, a thematic conference call with the leadership of the Armed Forces was held at the National Defense Management Center of the Russian Federation under the leadership of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, Army General Sergei Shoigu.
Possible visualization of the IL-212 military transport aircraft as a hybrid of the IL-112B and AN-72 with two PD-8 (c) engines Telegram channel "Military Informant"
Opening the meeting, Sergei Shoigu said that against the background of the build-up of NATO's military potential near the Russian borders, the expansion of the alliance through the accession of Finland, and in the future Sweden, the Russian Federation has taken steps to strengthen the groupings of troops in the north-western and western strategic directions.
For these purposes, two interspecific strategic territorial associations of the Armed Forces have been created - the Leningrad and Moscow Military districts.
"The decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated February 26 established the military-administrative division of Russia. The relevant territories are assigned to the military districts, including new regions of the country," the Defense Minister said.
The measures taken will significantly improve the effectiveness of the management of troops and forces.
"We will continue to improve the composition and structure of the Armed Forces in proportion to the emerging threats to the military security of the Russian Federation," the head of the military department added.
Sergei Shoigu also recalled that last month the comprehensive restoration of the historic building of the headquarters of the Moscow Military District with an area of almost 16 thousand square meters was completed. The builders brought modern communication and engineering networks into it, completely preserving the facade and historical interiors.
"In this regard, I would like to thank Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin once again for helping the Armed Forces, including in solving the tasks of a special military operation," the Defense Minister said.
The district's management halls are equipped with advanced secure communications and environment display facilities.
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Further, the head of the military department briefly informed the participants of the meeting about the situation in the zone of the special military operation.
According to the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, after the flight of Ukrainian militants from the Avdiivka defense hub, the Russian group of troops did not allow them to gain a foothold on the Petrovskoye - Lastochkino-Severnoye line and continues to push the enemy westward.
"Our servicemen demonstrate courage, bravery and heroism, successfully solve the tasks assigned to them," Sergei Shoigu said.
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Turning to the thematic agenda of the meeting, the head of the Russian military department heard reports on the creation of the IL-212 light military transport aircraft with a PD-8 turbojet engine. These vehicles will replace the aging fleet of AN-26 and AN-72.
The new transport aircraft will be distinguished by increased payload and flight range, ease of refueling and maintenance.
In addition, it will be able to use unpaved unequipped runways, as well as operate in Arctic latitudes.
The United Aircraft Corporation has already started developing the technical design of the aircraft.
Production of the prototype is scheduled for the end of 2026.
In continuation of the topic, the Minister of Defense proposed to discuss the issue of supply and repair by the United Engine Corporation of engines for tactical, long-range and army aviation.
As Sergei Shoigu noted, by the end of last year, the Corporation fully fulfilled the tasks of the state defense order and ensured the advanced shipment of some products according to plans for 2024.
Using only domestic materials, design services improve the technical and resource characteristics of engines.
Comprehensive tests of hybrid power plants are being conducted, which will reduce harmful emissions and significantly increase fuel efficiency and safety of aircraft operation.
"I would like to note that the achieved capacities of the Corporation's enterprises ensure the necessary level of airworthiness of the Aerospace Forces group involved in a special military operation," the head of the military department said.
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In continuation of the thematic part of the meeting, issues of maintaining the serviceability of the An-124 Ruslan heavy military transport aircraft fleet were considered, in particular, the progress of major repairs of D-18T engines, which are installed on vehicles of this class.
This task is being solved in the interests of the Russian Ministry of Defense by the UZGA joint-stock company, which is successfully implementing measures for import substitution of Ukrainian-made engine elements.
As of today, according to the head of the military department, 49 engines have been repaired and put into operation. The repair and modernization will extend the service life of the AN-124 aircraft from 20 to 45 years.
The serial production of Russian D-18T engines is currently being mastered, which is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027. This will increase the volume of air traffic in the interests of the Armed Forces.
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