The joint Russia-Belarus “Osvey” aircraft project is progressing steadily, with officials confirming that development is expected to be completed within the next two years. A prototype of the regional aircraft is anticipated to be ready by 2026, marking a significant milestone in bilateral aviation cooperation.
Sergei Glazyev, State Secretary of the Union State of Russia and Belarus, stated that all essential resources and technological capabilities required for the aircraft’s production are already in place. He emphasized that the groundwork for such an aircraft dates back to the Soviet era, with continuous scientific and technical development carried out in Russia over the past two decades.
The Osvey aircraft is specifically designed for regional transportation and will have a seating capacity of 19 passengers. It is aimed at improving connectivity on short-distance routes, particularly in remote and underserved regions. The prototype is expected to be developed in Belarus at the JSC 558 Aircraft Repair Plant, as previously announced by Belarusian authorities.
This project is part of a broader intergovernmental cooperation program between Russia and Belarus in the field of aircraft manufacturing. Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov confirmed that the aircraft’s key parameters have already been finalized. The project is currently awaiting approval from the Belarusian side before moving forward to the detailed design documentation phase.
Looking ahead, the long-term aviation industry development plan outlines ambitious production targets. By 2030, it is expected that 158 Osvey (LMS-192) aircraft will be manufactured. In addition, plans include the production of 105 TVRS-44 Ladoga aircraft and 139 Baikal (LMS-901) aircraft, further strengthening the regional aviation fleet.
With its focus on regional connectivity, modern engineering, and cross-border collaboration, the Osvey aircraft project is poised to play a key role in enhancing air transport infrastructure across Russia and Belarus in the coming years.
