Ukraine rebuilding world’s largest and heaviest aircraft

As you all know, Ukraine has been in the news since February 2022 as it has been on a war with Russia. While Russia continues to invade major parts of Ukraine and Ukraine tries to reverse the situation, there has been another development. 

Turns out, the world’s largest and heaviest plane (a military cargo aircraft) named Antonov AN-225 Mriya, that was built and owned by Ukraine had been destroyed by Russian forces, just a few days into the combat. And now, months later, Ukraine is rebuilding it, in what is being deemed as a ‘secret facility.’ In fact, the reconstruction has been in process for quite some time now (on its second unit) and the project is now 30 per cent complete. Sources also cite that the iconic flight will have a brand-new design that is based on the concept of ‘Mriya’ or ‘dream’ in Ukrainian. Furthermore, the project has been undertaken by Ukraine-based Antonov Corporation, the airline manufacturing company that had built it the first time. Interestingly, so far, other details have been kept discrete and may only be revealed if and when Russia stops the war with Ukraine.  

Originally built in the early 1980s, this six-engine jet with 88 metres of wingspan and weight of 330 tonne had its first official flight in December 1988. It was used to carry the then Soviet spacecraft, Buran. Later however, it was used by the military to charter international cargo flights. During its lifespan of more than 30 years, AN-225 Mriya had survived all kinds of man-made and natural catastrophes, and had even served during the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, Ukraine’s prized possession flew around the world transporting vaccines, medicines and other health resources, before it was bombed down by Russia, earlier this year. Following that, Ukraine’s political leaders had used the news of destruction as a war cry, pushing citizens to continue their fight against Russia. Meanwhile, the massive plane had also been featured on Ukraine’s national stamps.  

For those unaware, here’s how this well-loved aircraft was ruined. It was being repaired at its hangar near the Gostomel airport (an airfield near Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv), during the first week of war. However, Russian paratroopers, in order to prove their dominance, had launched a sudden assault on this very strategic location, thus weakening Ukraine’s major point of defence. Interestingly, this bombed-out wreckage of the historic aircraft became an early symbol of war destruction in the country and its current revival could serve as an inspiration to bounce back.  

According to initial estimates, rebuilding this giant plane may cost more than 500 million euros. Not only that, it may further go up to 3 billion euros spent over a span of five years. But sadly, Ukraine doesn’t have so much funds. Thus, to raise donations and attract potential sponsors, the Antonov Corporation has started selling the aircraft models and pictures at its two most frequented locations, Germany’s Leipzig airport and Halle airport.  

Besides financial constraints, there are also other concerns as well surrounding the rebuilding of the aircraft, the most significant one being power crisis across Ukraine, because of never-ending air attacks by Russia on the country’s overall energy infrastructure. Luckily, around 30 percent of the components from the original plane can still be used during the reconstruction, suggest experts.