Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Intelligence Directorate: Russians Dismantle Aircraft for Parts to勉强 Maintain Fleet Operations
According to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Intelligence Directorate, approximately 95% of Russia's passenger flights are operated by Western-made aircraft, primarily Boeing and Airbus models. On medium- and long-haul routes, reliance on Western aircraft is nearly 100%.
Due to sanctions, Russia is unable to maintain these aircraft according to standard procedures. As reported by Ukraine’s Defense Ministry’s Intelligence Directorate, a significant portion of these planes have already exceeded their manufacturer-specified design service life. Maintenance work is being conducted without necessary qualified certifications. In response, Russian authorities have attempted to produce spare parts independently or source components through third-party channels.
Even more extreme measures have emerged: "Aircraft cannibalization" has become widespread in Russia—partially disassembling certain aircraft to extract components that keep others flying. Even brand-new, fully equipped passenger jets are being dismantled as sources of spare parts.
Russia’s indigenous civil aviation projects are also falling short of expectations. Originally planned to invest around $12 billion to manufacture nearly 1,000 domestically produced civilian aircraft by 2030, Russia currently produces only about 26 aircraft annually. The MC-21 and Sukhoi Superjet models continue to face challenges with engines and performance metrics, and have yet to deliver viable alternatives to the An-2, An-24/26 aircraft.
Meanwhile, 158 airports within Russia have safety operation violations, while another 134 require reconstruction or major repairs.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1871561275954188/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.