18:02 01-06-2026

Russia’s VTA Rearms Two Regiments With Il-76MD-90A

© A. Krivonosov

Russia’s Military Transport Aviation has rearmed two regiments with Il-76MD-90A aircraft as Il-76MD planes undergo further modernization.

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Lieutenant General Vladimir Benediktov, commander of Russia’s Military Transport Aviation, said two VTA regiments have completed rearmament with Il-76MD-90A heavy transport aircraft, a deeply modernized version of the Il-76MD.

According to Benediktov, the 2025 state defense order for Military Transport Aviation was fulfilled in full, and the new Il-76MD-90A aircraft have already entered service with two regiments.

He added that work is also underway to upgrade aircraft already in operation. The Il-76MD fleet is being modernized to the Il-76MD-M standard.

Benediktov said Russia’s Military Transport Aviation has been expanding its capabilities in recent years, both in terms of numbers and basing geography. He also noted that over the past five years, several projects to restore individual military units have been carried out, and this work is still continuing.

Russia marks Military Transport Aviation Day on June 1. In 1931, an experimental airborne detachment was formed within the Leningrad Military District. Its tasks included supporting airborne landings, as well as transporting personnel, equipment and cargo.