Russian enterprises will be manufacturing different modifications of Tu-214 aircraft until 2025, Voenno-promishlenniy courier reports.

«It is planned to keep on manufacturing different versions of Tu-214 aircraft until 2025, and possibly even after 2025. It is stipulated in the program for development of aircraft industry during a period until 2025», - a source close to the industry said. He noted that Tu-214 is being manufactured by Kazan Aircraft Production Association (KAPO).

«KAPO is focused on production of special-purpose aircraft intended not only for the Ministry of Defense, but also for other ministries and agencies», - the source noted. According to him, the possibilities of using Tu-214 aircraft in different areas, including patrol missions, are being considered. The special-purpose aircraft derived from Tu-214 are equipped with high-tech advanced special equipment.

He explained that the Ministry of Defense needs to replace the fleet of special-purpose aircraft derived from Il-18 with more advanced aircraft. «Some modifications of Tu-214 aircraft have a range of 10 000 km, because they are fitted with additional fuel tanks», - he said.