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United Aircraft Corporation

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PJSC United Aircraft Corporation
Company typePublic Joint-Stock Company (PJSC)
IndustryAerospace and defense
Founded20 February 2006
Headquarters
Moscow
,
Russia
Area served
Russia, China, India, Italy
Key people
Yury Slyusar (CEO)
ProductsMilitary, commercial, transport, and unmanned aerial vehicles
OwnerRussian government (majority stake)
ParentRostec (since October 2018)

PJSC United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) () represents a leading Russian aerospace and defense enterprise. Predominantly owned by the Russian government, it unites various private and state-run aircraft producers involved in the design, manufacture, and distribution of military, commercial, transport, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The corporation’s main office is situated on Leningradsky Avenue in Moscow’s Khoroshyovsky District.

UAC's operations extend across several regions within Russia and include strategic partnerships with companies in China, India, and Italy.

Origins

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia's aerospace sector experienced significant upheaval. The influx of imports combined with protective tariffs adversely affected both aerospace and automotive manufacturing industries. While military aircraft production benefited temporarily from existing Soviet stockpiles, civilian aircraft output dramatically declined—from 715 units in 1990 down to just 56 by 1998, and further reduced to four by 2000. To counter this downturn, President Boris Yeltsin initiated the consolidation of aerospace enterprises by establishing VPK-MAPO (Military Industrial Complex – Moscow Aircraft Production Association), which included firms such as Mikoyan. Despite these efforts, the consolidation was unsuccessful, resulting in MAPO's eventual merger with Sukhoi.

Formation in 2006

The United Aircraft Corporation was officially founded on 20 February 2006 under Presidential Decree No. 140 through the amalgamation of shareholdings from Ilyushin, Irkut, Mikoyan, Sukhoi, Tupolev, and Yakovlev into a single joint-stock entity. UAC’s objective was to streamline manufacturing processes, minimize financial losses, and centralize resources to bolster Russia’s aerospace industry and defense sector. Initially, the corporation continued producing legacy aircraft like the Tupolev Tu-154 and Ilyushin Il-96 alongside military models from its constituent companies.

In February 2007, UAC introduced its inaugural new military aircraft under its corporate identity: the Mikoyan MiG-35 "Fulcrum-F," a Generation 4++ fighter jet. This model was showcased at Aero India 2007 and officially presented during Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov’s visit. The MiG-35 participated in India’s MRCA competition but was withdrawn in 2011; it was intended for adoption by the Russian Air Force starting in 2018.

In October 2007, UAC issued 96.7 billion shares at a price of 1 RUB (approximately US$0.04) each. Vneshtorgbank (VTB) initially planned to transfer its 5% stake in EADS to UAC but eventually sold it to the Russian Development Bank (VEB). EADS held a 10% share in Irkut with intentions to convert this holding into UAC shares to establish cross-ownership arrangements. UAC projected a share offering between 10–15% in 2008 while retaining majority control; following multiple issuances, charter capital reached RUB 174.61 billion with the Russian Federation controlling an 80.29% stake.

In February 2008, UAC launched the Sukhoi Su-35S (Su-35BM), an advanced iteration of the Su-27 serving as an interim platform prior to the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57. The Su-35S incorporates reinforced airframe structures, enhanced engines, radar systems, and avionics. The Russian Air Force ordered a total of 98 units with additional export sales anticipated for China and Indonesia. Although forecasts predicted sales exceeding 160 units, competition from upgraded Su-30 variants limited further expansion.

May 2008 marked the debut of UAC’s first commercial airliner under its brand: the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100). Developed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft with Boeing providing consultancy support, this regional jet commenced service with Armavia in April 2011. The SSJ100 is considered Russia’s most successful recent civil aviation program and remains a key focus for the Ministry of Industry and Trade. To facilitate global marketing efforts, Sukhoi Holdings partnered with Leonardo-Finmeccanica (now Leonardo S.p.A.) to establish Superjet International.

In October 2009, UAC entered into a joint venture with India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), named Multirole Transport Aircraft Limited (MTAL), aimed at developing military transport aircraft for Russia, India, and allied nations. A flagship project involved the Ilyushin Il-214 Multirole Transport Aircraft designed to replace India’s Antonov An-32 fleet; its unveiling was planned for 2017 with operational introduction targeted for 2018.

During 2009, UAC delivered a total of 90 aircraft—including 17 commercial passenger planes—with revenues projected between RUB 115 billion and RUB 120 billion. Among deliveries were MiG-29 and Su-34 fighter jets supplied to the Russian Air Force.

2010–2020

On 29 January 2010, Sukhoi together with UAC introduced Russia's inaugural fifth-generation fighter jet, the Sukhoi PAK FA (T-50). This stealth-capable, single-pilot, twin-engine multirole aircraft was engineered for both air dominance and strike missions, intended as a successor to the Mikoyan MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-27. Its anticipated entry into service with the Russian Air Force was scheduled for 2019. Within the framework of the MTAL joint venture, Sukhoi partnered with HAL to co-develop the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA, now rebranded as the Perspective Multirole Fighter (PMF), specifically designed for India's Air Force. On 11 August 2017, the Russian Air Force officially designated the PAK FA as the Sukhoi Su-57.

On 27 October 2010, UAC and Ukraine’s state-owned Antonov established a joint venture agreement (LLC UAC - Antonov) to collaborate on spare parts supply, manufacturing, marketing, sales, maintenance services, and aircraft modernization initiatives.

In 2013, ownership of nine Ministry of Defense aircraft repair facilities was transferred to UAC, resulting in an improvement in operational readiness of Russian Air Force aircraft from 40% in 2013 to 65% by 2014.

Following Russia’s military engagement in Ukraine in 2014, international sanctions targeted the Russian aerospace and defense sectors, including UAC. Nevertheless, these restrictions did not extend to UAC’s commercial airliner operations such as the Sukhoi Superjet 100, enabling continued exports to Western countries.

In April 2015, UAC underwent restructuring and became a Public Joint-Stock Company (PJSC) known as "United Aircraft Corporation." Between 2011 and 2015, more than 200 aircraft were delivered by UAC to the Russian Defense Ministry.

On 28 September 2015, a resolution by the Ukrainian government terminated Antonov’s participation in the LLC UAC - Antonov joint venture.

On 13 January 2016, HAL declared its withdrawal from the Ilyushin Il-214 MTA project; development continued solely under Ilyushin’s direction.

On 8 June 2016, UAC unveiled the Irkut MC-21 medium-range jet airliner at Irkutsk. Incorporating advanced composite wing production techniques, the MC-21 is intended to replace aging Russian models such as the Tupolev Tu-154 and to rival Western competitors like the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX. Despite Boeing and Airbus’s market dominance and challenges posed by Russian protectionist policies limiting Western suppliers’ involvement, the MC-21 completed its first flight on 28 May 2017 with two prototypes flying and four additional units under assembly. By July 2017, it had accumulated orders totaling 205 aircraft with Aeroflot slated as its launch customer in 2019.

In 2018, UAC reported revenues amounting to 53 billion rubles.

On 25 June 2016, UAC partnered with Chinese state-owned Comac to establish China-Russia Aircraft International Co., Ltd. (CRAIC) headquartered in Shanghai. CRAIC is responsible for all aspects of development, manufacturing, marketing, sales support, customer service, and program oversight of a new commercial wide-body aircraft. This aircraft—designated CRAIC CR-929—is positioned to compete directly with Airbus A330neo and Boeing 787 models.

On 1 September 2017, UAC consolidated its civil aviation assets—Irkut Corporation and Sukhoi Civil Aircraft—into a unified Civil Aviation Division based on Irkut. This reorganization aimed at increasing civil aviation revenue share from existing levels to approximately 45% by the year 2035 while elevating annual civil aircraft production capacity to between 100 and 120 units. The initiative also sought to improve economic efficiency by centralizing key processes.

By mid-2018, UAC set goals to capture around a 4.5% share of the global airliner market by value by 2025 and increase civil aviation revenue contribution from 17% up to 40%, with intentions to attract private investment prior to 2035.

On 25 October 2018, Russian state corporation Rostec acquired UAC from the Federal Agency for State Property Management for an amount exceeding one billion rubles (approximately US$15 million), thereby consolidating control over national aerospace assets including helicopter manufacturer Russian Helicopters and engine producer United Engine Corporation. Rostec pledged investments up to 40 billion rubles towards advancing the MC-21 program. The restructuring process was planned for completion within eighteen months.

2020-present

On 30 November 2021, the UAC board sanctioned the integration of military aircraft manufacturers Mikoyan and Sukhoi into the corporation, with daily operational control already managed by UAC. This consolidation was ratified by shareholders in January 2022. By 2022, Rostec held an 88 percent stake in UAC.

On 22 March 2022, reports indicated that the Russian aviation sector was unable to obtain imported components that had already been paid for, a consequence of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Both UAC and its CEO, Yury Slyusar, faced sanctions from the British government on 24 February 2022 due to their involvement in supporting the invasion. Subsequently, in May 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on Slyusar pursuant to Executive Order 14024.

The formal merger of Mikoyan and Sukhoi into UAC was finalized in June 2022, with updates recorded in the U.S. Register of Legal Entities as of June 1.

By late December 2023, UAC announced that it had successfully completed its state defense contracts for the year.

Organization

Corporate structure:

Aircraft manufacturers

Divisions

  • UAC Health
  • UAC - Transport Aircraft
  • LLC UAC - Aggregation Center

Financial and business operations

  • Finance Leasing Company
  • Ilyushin Finance Co.
  • LLC UAC - Procurement
  • Sukhoi Holdings

Joint ventures

Material suppliers

  • KAPO-Composit
  • AeroComposit
    • Ulyanovsk Branch

Additional entities

Products

This segment outlines both existing and upcoming products within the UAC portfolio.

Airliners

UAC continues production of legacy aircraft such as the Tupolev Tu-154, Tupolev Tu-204, Ilyushin Il-86, Ilyushin Il-96, and the Ilyushin Il-114. The Tu-154 is a narrow-body trijet introduced during the Soviet era, with over 1,000 units constructed before production ended in 2013. After a crash in 2016, Russian-operated Tu-154s were grounded and now serve only limited roles within military and airline operations. The Il-86 was the USSR's inaugural wide-body four-engine airliner; production ceased in 1995 after building 106 units, and it was retired from commercial use by 2011. The Il-96, designed as a long-range successor to the Il-86, saw modest production numbers around 30 units; it remains in limited production but faces competition from Boeing and Airbus models. The Tu-204 introduced innovations such as fly-by-wire systems and a glass cockpit; it was later succeeded by the Tu-214. The turboprop Il-114 regional airliner had a small production run (20 units) and limited deployment; its development was paused but later restarted as the all-Russian Il-114-300 variant.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 stands as UAC's first new regional jet developed after the merger. It competes against aircraft like the Antonov An-148, Embraer E-Jet series, and Bombardier CSeries. This model aims to replace aging Tupolev Tu-134 and Yakovlev Yak-42 fleets while offering lower acquisition and operational expenses. The Superjet 100 is regarded as Russia’s most successful recent airliner program and remains a strategic focus for the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Developed by Irkut Corporation, the Irkut MC-21 targets replacement of older Tupolev and Yakovlev models while competing with Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Despite Western market dominance and challenges posed by sanctions limiting component supply, two prototypes have completed maiden flights with over 360 orders placed by mid-2017. Introduction has been postponed to incorporate nearly all-Russian components, now scheduled for 2025.

The Sukhoi Superjet 130 is currently under development to fill the market segment between the Superjet Stretch and MC-21 models.

Production of the Il-114 resumed with the Il-114-300 featuring all-Russian parts; its maiden flight took place in 2020 with an introduction planned between 2023 and 2024.

The CRAIC CR929 wide-body jet represents a joint venture between UAC and Comac intended to compete with Boeing’s 787 and Airbus’s A330neo; however, UAC withdrew from this project in 2023 due to sanction-related complications.

Comprehensive List of UAC Airliners
Aircraft Type Description Developer Seats Number Built Maiden Flight Introduction Production Ended Retirement Date
Tupolev Tu-154 jet airliner Narrow-body trijet configuration Tupolev 164 1,026 4 October 1968 7 February 1972 (Aeroflot) 2013 -
Ilyushin Il-86 jet airliner Wide-body four-engine design Ilyushin Aviation Complex 359 106 22 December 1976 1980 (Aeroflot) 1995 2011 (commercial service)
Ilyushin Il-96 jet airliner Wide-body four-engine aircraft Ilyushin Aviation Complex 262 30 28 September 1988 29 December 1992 (Aeroflot) Low-rate production post-2009 -
Tupolev Tu-204 / Tu-214 jet airliner Narrow-body twin-engine jet Tupolev 210 82 2 January 1989 1995 (Aeroflot) - -
Ilyushin Il-114 regional airliner Twin-engine turboprop Ilyushin Aviation Complex 64 20 29 March 1990 August 1998 (Uzbekistan Airways) Production continued as Il-114-300
Superjet 100 Regional jet airliner Narrow-body twin-engine jet Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (now Regional Aircraft Branch of Irkut) 87 172 19 May 2008 21 April 2011 (Armavia)
Irkut MC-21 Jet airliner Narrow-body twin-engine jet Irkut Corporation 163 2 28 May 2017 Planned for 2025 (Aeroflot)
Sukhoi Superjet 130 Regional jet airliner Narrow-body twin-engine jet Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (now Regional Aircraft Branch of Irkut) 120 0 - Not yet produced
Ilyushin Il-114-300 Regional airliner Twin-engine turboprop Ilyushin Aviation Complex 52 0 16 December 2020 Expected between 2023–2024
CRAIC CR929 Jet airliner Wide-body twin-engine jet CRAIC (Comac & UAC) 416 0 Projected from 2030 UAC exited project in 2023


Cargo

United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) initially focused on cargo versions of its commercial airliners, including the Ilyushin Il-96-400T and Tupolev Tu-204C, as well as the Sukhoi Su-80, a twin-turboprop, twin-boom aircraft with STOL capabilities. The Il-96-400T, a freight adaptation of the Il-96-400, incorporates Russian-made engines and avionics while providing expanded cargo capacity. Serving both civilian and military sectors, the Su-80 accommodates 30 passengers and is equipped with a "beaver-tail" ramp to facilitate rapid cargo handling. Manufactured by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft, it aims to replace models such as the Antonov An-24/26, Antonov An-28, and Yakovlev Yak-40, competing directly with the Antonov An-38.

The Ilyushin Il-276 (previously known as Il-214) was conceived as a collaborative effort between UAC and HAL under the joint venture "Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd." Launched in 2007 with development commencing in 2012, the partnership dissolved in 2016 due to disagreements, leading HAL to exit the project. Ilyushin proceeded independently, rebranding the aircraft as Il-276 in 2017. This medium-sized military airlifter is anticipated to enter operational service around 2023.

Designed by Ilyushin Aviation Complex, the Ilyushin Il-112 is a high-wing, light military transport intended for air landing and airdrop operations. Although its inaugural flight was initially planned for approximately 2011, the Russian Ministry of Defense paused development in favor of acquiring seven Antonov An-140T units. Development resumed in 2013, culminating in its first flight in 2019. The Il-112 family includes both turboprop and turbofan variants aimed at updating Russia’s light military transport capabilities.

UAC Cargo Aircraft Overview
Aircraft Category Details Manufacturer Quantity Produced First Flight
Ilyushin Il-96-400T transport aircraft four-engine design with enhanced cargo volume Ilyushin Aviation Complex 2 28 September 1988 (standard Il-96)
Tupolev Tu-204C transport aircraft twinjet cargo-specific model Tupolev 7 2 January 1989 (standard Tu-204)
Sukhoi Su-80 STOL transport aircraft twin-turboprop, twin-boom configuration Sukhoi Civil Aircraft 8 4 September 2001
Ilyushin Il-276 military transport aircraft medium-lift airlifter, expected service entry in 2023 Ilyushin Aviation Complex 0 Planned 2023
Ilyushin Il-112

Ilyushin Il-212

light military transport high-wing with turboprop and turbofan variants Ilyushin Aviation Complex 3 prototypes 30 March 2019


Special purposes

The Beriev Aircraft Company, a subdivision of UAC, specializes in designing amphibious and special-purpose aircraft. The Beriev Be-200 "Altair", developed from the Beriev A-40 "Albatross", is a versatile amphibious plane suited for firefighting, maritime patrol, search and rescue missions, as well as cargo and passenger transportation. The Beriev A-100, an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform created to succeed the Beriev A-50, completed its first flight on 26 October 2016 and is intended for deployment within the Russian Air Force. Built upon the Ilyushin Il-476 airframe, it features avionics akin to those on the A-50U and incorporates a new active phased array radar developed by JSC Vega.

UAC Special Purpose Aircraft Summary
Aircraft Category Description Manufacturer Units Produced First Flight Date Service Entry
Beriev Be-200 "Altair" multirole amphibious aircraft two-seat configuration Beriev 19 24 September 1998 2003
Beriev A-100 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) four-engine turbofan platform Beriev 1 26 October 2016 -

Military

The majority of UAC's military aircraft trace their origins to the Soviet period, encompassing fighter jets such as the Sukhoi Su-25 "Grach", Su-27 "Sofiyka", Mikoyan MiG-29, Su-33, Su-30, Su-34, alongside heavy-duty planes like the Ilyushin Il-76, Tupolev Tu-160 "Beliy Lebed", and Ilyushin Il-78. Certain Soviet-era designs, including the Tu-160, Su-33, Su-30, and Su-34, were introduced after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The Yakovlev Yak-130 stands out as the sole aircraft developed in the post-Soviet timeframe but prior to UAC's establishment.

The Mikoyan MiG-35 marks UAC's inaugural military aircraft both designed and exported under its own brand. Although it participated in India's MRCA competition, it was withdrawn in 2011. The Russian Air Force officially inducted the MiG-35 in 2018. The Sukhoi Su-35S, crafted by UAC’s Sukhoi Design Bureau, operates as a transitional platform ahead of Russia’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Sukhoi Su-57 PAK FA. This model incorporates enhancements in airframe, engines, radar systems, and avionics but omits canards and air brakes. The Russian Air Force has procured 98 units with exports to China and Indonesia; however, sales remain constrained due to newer iterations of the Su-30.

An upgrade program is underway for 30 Tupolev Tu-22M3 bombers to convert them into the Tu-22M3M variant featuring modernized avionics and extended-range weapon systems. The initial flight of this upgraded version was slated for August 2018. Additional Tu-22M3 bombers continue to receive modernization efforts.

The Sukhoi Su-57 PAK FA signifies Russia’s first stealth-capable fifth-generation fighter jet intended to replace older Su-27 and MiG-29 models, with an anticipated introduction around 2020. Other PAK series projects include the Ilyushin PAK TA heavy transport aircraft, Tupolev PAK DA strategic bomber, and Mikoyan PAK DP interceptor.

During MAKS 2021, UAC revealed plans to evolve the Mikoyan LMFS initiative into the Sukhoi LFS project. In August 2023, CEO Yury Slyusar confirmed further orders aimed at equipping new military districts in Moscow and Leningrad.

All military aircraft listed have either been deployed or are projected for service within the Russian Air Force.

List of Military Aircraft of UAC
Aircraft NATO Designation Name Type Description Developer Number Built Maiden Flight Introduction
Ilyushin Il-76 Candid strategic airlifter four turbofan engines Ilyushin Aviation Complex 960 25 March 1971 June 1974
Sukhoi Su-25 "Grach" Frogfoot close air support aircraft single-seat twinjet Sukhoi Design Bureau 1000+ 22 February 1975 19 July 1981
Sukhoi Su-27 "Sofiyka" Flanker multirole and air superiority fighter single-seat twinjet Sukhoi Design Bureau 809 20 May 1977 22 June 1985
Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum multirole and air superiority fighter single-seat twinjet Mikoyan 1600+ 6 October 1977 July 1982
Tupolev Tu-22M3 "Troika" Backfire-C supersonic maritime strike bomber variable-sweep wing twinjet turbofan Tupolev 268 30 August 1969 (as Tu-22M) March 1989
Tupolev Tu-160 "Beliy Lebed" Blackjack max supersonic strategic bomber (variable-sweep wing), four turbofan engines Tupolev 27 serial + 8 prototypes 19 December 1981 30 December 2005
Ilyushin Il-78 Midas air-to-air refueling tanker four engines Ilyushin Aviation Complex 53 26 June 1983 1984
Sukhoi Su-33 Flanker-D carrier-based multirole fighter single-seat twinjet Sukhoi Design Bureau 35 17 August 1987 31 August 1998
Sukhoi Su-30 Flanker-C multirole fighter twin-seat twinjet Sukhoi Design Bureau 540+ 31 December 1989 1996
Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback fighter-bomber/strike fighter twin-seat twinjet Sukhoi Design Bureau 155 13 April 1990 20 March 2014
Yakovlev Yak-130 Mitten advanced trainer/light combat aircraft twin-seat twinjet Yakovlev Design Bureau 186+ 25 April 1996 19 February 2010
Mikoyan MiG-35 Fulcrum-F multirole fighter single/twin-seat twinjet Mikoyan 6 serial + 2 pre-series February 2007 2018
Sukhoi Su-35S Flanker-E multirole/air superiority fighter single-seat twinjet Sukhoi Design Bureau 151+ 19 February 2008 February 2014
Sukhoi Su-57 PAK FA Felon stealth air superiority fighter single-seat twinjet Sukhoi Design Bureau 21 (including prototypes) 29 January 2010 25 December 2020
Tupolev Tu-22M3M (upgrade) Backfire-C modernized supersonic maritime strike bomber variable-sweep wing twinjet turbofan Tupolev 30 upgraded from Tu-22M3 30 August 1969 (as Tu-22M) August 2018
Yakovlev Yak-152 - trainer aircraft single-seat Yakovlev Design Bureau 4 prototypes 29 September 2016 Planned
Tupolev PAK DA - strategic bomber (in development) Tupolev 0 Scheduled for 2023 Expected in service by 2028
PAK TA (Ilyushin PAK TA) - heavy military transport (under development) Ilyushin Aviation Complex 0 N/A Projected for 2030

Board of directors

Chairman

President

The president acts as the sole executive authority within PJSC UAC, overseeing all day-to-day operational matters except those delegated to the shareholders' meeting, board of directors, or management board.

  • Prior to January 2015: Alexei Fyodorov
  • From January 2015 onward: Yury Slyusar

Management board

  • President: Yury Slyusar
  • Member: Demchenko Oleg Fedorovich

Vice presidents

  • First Vice President: Alexander Tulyakov
  • Vice President responsible for State Defense Order and Service Support of State Aviation Aircraft: Alexander Bobryshev
  • Vice President for Special-Purpose Aviation: Sergey Gerasimov
  • Vice President of Economics and Finance: Demidov Alexey
  • Vice President in charge of Security: Koval Artur
  • Vice President overseeing Special Purpose and Strategic Aviation: Konyukhov Alexander
  • Vice President for Innovations: Sergey Korotkov
  • Vice President of Civil Aviation: Vladislav Masalov
  • Vice President responsible for Military Aviation: Igor Ozar
  • Vice President – Head of the Office: Alexander Skokov
  • Vice President for Production: Sergey Yurasov
  • Former member: Alexey Rogozin

See also

External links

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