The Russian Air Force took delivery of the first Antonov An-140-100 passenger/transport plane on Friday, Defense Ministry spokesman Col Vladimir Drik said.
“The plane’s delivery is the first step toward the implementation of a program to expand the AF transport aviation fleet,” he said, adding that another two aircraft will soon be delivered to the force.
The short-range turboprop will be used to transport personnel to distances of up to 2,300 kilometers, Drik said.
The An-140-100 was developed by Russia's Antonov design bureau as a replacement for the An-24 series aircraft. It can carry up to 52 passengers or can be used for patrol and military transport missions.
