Ukraine manages to sneak one of the world's biggest cargo aircrafts beyond Russian borders.
The Antonov An-124 "Brave like Irpin" has become a beacon of hope and resilience in the midst of Ukraine's ongoing conflict. This strategic heavy transport aircraft, stationed in Leipzig, Germany, is generating urgently needed income for the state-owned Antonov company.
The aircraft, rebuilt by Ukrainian engineers with Western components, bears the inscription "BE BRAVE LIKE IRPIN," a poignant reminder of the heavily destroyed Ukrainian city of the same name. Other An-124 aircraft such as "Brave like Bucha" are also stationed in Leipzig.
The operational headquarters of Antonov is located in Leipzig, and three Russian machines of the company Volga-Dnepr are currently in Leipzig as well. The plan for a joint venture between Russia and Ukraine in Leipzig involved converting 31 machines and setting up an assembly line for 60 new An-124s. However, the Russian attack on Crimea halted this project.
The Antonov An-124 "Condor" was severely impacted during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. UR-82073, the aircraft in question, had been stationed at Antonov's repair facility in Kyiv and was undergoing modernization to replace Russian-made components with Ukrainian and Western parts at the time of the attack. Despite heavy fighting and significant destruction to Antonov’s facilities and other aircraft such as the An-225 "Mriya," UR-82073 was spared from destruction due to its location in the repair hangar.
History and Rebuilding
The An-124 was partially disassembled and under repair when Russian forces attacked Kyiv and Hostomel Airport. Antonov State Enterprise initiated and continued a major restoration and modernization project for this aircraft amid ongoing hostilities, aiming to replace Russian parts and upgrade to more modern Western and Ukrainian components. Despite initial suspensions due to the war, the modernization was successfully completed by June 2025, achieved under extremely difficult wartime conditions by Antonov’s skilled team.
Secret Rescue Flight
On July 11, 2025, this modernized An-124 (UR-82073) was secretly relocated from Ukraine to Leipzig, Germany. This operation was complex and symbolic, representing not only a technical achievement but a statement of resilience and unity by Ukrainian aviation industry. This clandestine flight marked the first civilian aircraft departure from Ukraine in three years since the war started, underscoring both the aircraft's importance and the risks involved in operating such flights in conflict zones.
Current Status
As of July 2025, UR-82073 has returned to operational service stationed in Leipzig after completing modernization in Kyiv. It is part of Antonov Airlines’ fleet, which actively supports NATO’s Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS) program. SALIS ensures nine NATO countries access to An-124 aircraft for transporting heavy military and humanitarian cargo critical to eastern European security and aid missions, including resupplying Ukraine. Other An-124s remain operational in Leipzig, except for some damaged during the 2022 battles at Hostomel, with UR-82009 still under evaluation due to battle damage.
Symbolic Significance
The An-124 "Condor"'s recovery and flight out of Ukraine have become a powerful symbol of resistance, professionalism, and the unity of the Ukrainian aerospace sector during the ongoing war. Its modernization and return to service signify hope and determination for Ukraine, reflecting resilience in the face of adversity and the continuation of vital logistic capabilities for supporting Ukraine and allied efforts.
In summary, the Antonov An-124 UR-82073 embodies Ukraine’s ability to restore and maintain strategic airlift capacity despite severe wartime disruptions. Its secret rescue flight from Kyiv to Leipzig and current active role in NATO logistics symbolize both a technical triumph and a potent emblem of Ukrainian resistance and solidarity during the war.
- What is the symbolic significance of the Antonov An-124 UR-82073, given its recovery and flight out of Ukraine?
- In which industry is the Antonov company generating urgently needed income through the operation of the Antonov An-124 "Brave like Irpin"?
- What political event halted the Russian-Ukraine joint venture involving the production of 60 new An-124s in Leipzig?
- What type of technology was used to rebuild the Antonov An-124 "Brave like Irpin," and which city bears the inscription "BE BRAVE LIKE IRPIN"?
