NATO to extend Ukraine lease for Ruslan heavy-lift aircraft

NATO and Ukraine are in final talks to extend a lease of heavy-duty transport aircraft, the Antonov An-124-100 Ruslan, for two years, according to PRNewswire.

This comes as Ukraine is negotiating the revival of mass production of a new commercial model of the Ruslan with Russia. The planes will have a lifting capacity of 150 tonnes with Russian Air Force, also a potential client for the aircraft.

The Ruslan aircraft, with its 120 tonnes of lifting capacity, is to be used for NATO's anti-terror, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.

NATO has been leasing the Ruslan under its Strategic Airlift Interim Solution programme (SALIS). The report added that NATO is acting in the interest of its 18 members and the European Union.
(Source:www.schednet.com)