Russia is studying the restoration of Antonov An-2 biplanes to cover gaps in regional and general aviation, according to local media reports, after delays in the development of a modern replacement aircraft.
The proposal, reported by Kommersant, was put forward by the Siberian Aeronautical Research Institute (SibNIA), which estimates that up to 700 An-2 aircraft currently in storage could be returned to service over the next five to seven years. The initiative comes as operators face a shortage of suitable aircraft for remote routes, particularly in Siberia and the Far East.
First flown in 1947, the An-2 is a single-engine biplane powered by a radial piston engine and became one of the most widely used utility aircraft in the Soviet Union. Known for its ability to operate from short and unprepared airstrips, it served roles ranging from passenger transport and cargo to agricultural aviation. Its versatility and longevity have often drawn comparisons to the Douglas DC-3 in the United States.
More than 17,000 units were built, but most have since been retired. Around 250 aircraft remain in service, with several hundred more stored or held by private owners and organizations. SibNIA argues that many of these airframes have used only a fraction of their structural life and could continue flying for decades if refurbished, including upgrades to engines and avionics.
Authorities have already begun returning some aircraft to operation. Since 2024, more than a dozen An-2s previously earmarked for scrapping have been restored and placed back into service, even as maintenance costs remain high due to limited access to parts.
Recent news
The renewed interest in the An-2 follows setbacks in the LMS-901 Baikal program, a single-engine high-wing aircraft intended to replace the biplane. The project has faced technical challenges, particularly in replacing a Western-built engine with a domestic alternative after sanctions restricted access to foreign components.
In February 2026, a Baikal prototype equipped with the Russian VK-800SP turboprop completed a short flight, reaching about 118 mph during a 10-minute sortie. While the test marked progress, the program remains behind its original schedule, which had targeted entry into service earlier in the decade.
With no immediate replacement available, the An-2 is being reconsidered as a stopgap solution for a segment of the market that has seen limited new aircraft development in recent years.
