Beriev A-100
| Company type | Military aircraft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Russia |
| Products | Airborne early warning and control aircraft |
The Beriev A-100 represents a Russian airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform derived from the Il-76MD-90A transport aircraft. Designed as a successor to the Beriev A-50 operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces, it integrates avionics akin to those found in the A-50U, enhanced by the introduction of the Vega Premier Active Phased Array Radar system.
Design and development
Referred to internally as Izdeliye PM, the A-100 aims to strengthen and ultimately supplant Russia’s current Beriev A-50 AEW&C fleet. Its development commenced in 2006 in collaboration with the Vega Radio Engineering Corporation. The airframe is based on the modernized Il-76MD-90A (also known as Il-476), which is outfitted with more powerful PS-90A-76 turbofan engines, offering improved performance compared to the original Il-76’s D-30KP engines. Visually, the aircraft maintains a profile similar to that of the A-50, featuring a rotating radar dome positioned atop the fuselage. The Vega Premier AESA radar employs electronic steering for elevation adjustments while azimuth scanning is achieved through rotation of the dome, completing a full revolution every five seconds to facilitate rapid target tracking. Additionally, the A-100 is equipped with an advanced electronic warfare system, updated navigation equipment, and satellite communication capabilities.
The radar system is capable of detecting airborne threats at ranges exceeding and maritime targets at distances approaching .
An experimental flying testbed, designated A-100LL and built upon an A-50 airframe, was utilized for system trials and conducted its maiden flight on 21 April 2017.
By April 2020, official statements from Russian military sources anticipated that deliveries to the Aerospace Forces would start in 2024, with the new platform intended to augment and eventually replace existing Beriev A-50 and A-50U aircraft.
As of early 2022, sanctions against Russia reportedly caused delays in the program. On 9 February 2022, the A-100 completed its inaugural flight with its radar system operational.
On 25 November 2025, Ukrainian forces claimed destruction of the A-100LL prototype; satellite imagery confirmed damage to the aircraft, which had previously been stripped of electronic components that were transferred to active A-100 units.