The Russian Aerospace Forces have received the first upgraded Il-76MD-M military transport aircraft developed by Ilyushin Aviation Complex, a subsidiary of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), as reported by the press service of the Russian military department.

According to the airforce-technology.com, the upgrade project was initiated by Ilyushin Aviation Complex in compliance with performance specifications defined by the Russian Air Force for modernisation of the existing fleet of Il-76M and Il-76MD heavy military transport aircraft.

The modernisation project increases the designed service life of the aircraft from 30 to 40 years. The serial contract provides for the modernization of the existing fleet of Il-76MD military transport aircraft to the Il-76MD-M version.

The aircraft keeps its original Soloviev D-30KP2 engines. Its service life is extended by 10 years to 40 years.

The upgraded aircraft incorporates a new electro-optical targeting system in a rotating spherical turret. The system allows the crew to observe the area to discontinuation of assault and various terrestrial objects in the visible and infrared region of the spectrum.