Aviation

Ukraine dreams of rebuilding the world’s largest airplane. Can Richard Branson help?

Numerous Ukrainians lost hope four months ago, at the start of the conflict, upon hearing that the largest cargo jet in the world, manufactured in their country, had been destroyed in a fierce battle. Mriya, which means “The Dream” in Ukrainian, was Ukraine’s pride. Only one was ever built. It was a global aircraft celebrity. Now it was a twisted wreckage.

The efforts to resurrect Mriya received a significant boost Richard Branson the British aerospace mogul, visited the airfield in Hostomel, a city near Kyiv, where the plane had been based. On Wednesday, Ukrainian aerospace experts discussed the possibility of rebuilding it.

A Virgin Group representative, Branson was determining what would be required to restore the aircraft. The attention will turn to identifying methods that the worldwide community might assist the project and contribute in the reconstruction of Ukraine’s airfield and aviation sector.
According to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, Branson had “stated his desire to help in any way he can,” according to Ukrainian MP David Arakhamia.

Ukrainian defenders eventually drove them away, but the airfield and Mriya were both destroyed as a result of a direct hit from an explosive shell. The Antonov An-225 Mriya was the largest and heaviest aircraft in the air at 276 feet long and six floors tall it weighed more than a 747 with all of its passengers and cargo on board. Turbine blades or even smaller jets could be placed into its cavernous belly through the opening in the nose cone, which flipped up. Built in 1988 as part of the Soviet space program, it was still flying until February, ferrying COVID-19 supplies.

Ukrainian officials have vowed to rebuild it using a second, partially completed Mriya fuselage that is now stored in undisclosed aeroplane manufacturer. However, they have recognized that the project would exceed $1 billion in costs and that they want outside assistance, which is why they were thrilled about Branson’s arrival.

Ukrainian news media also said Branson was interested in helping rebuild the Hostomel airport.Three million unique commemorative Mriya postage stamps were produced by Ukraine. They were expected to be sold out before the end of this week.

Aviation

Egypt has signed an agreement with China to purchase J-10C fighter jets

Egypt has become the second country, after Pakistan, to order China’s Chengdu J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets, marking a significant shift in its military strategy.

The announcement, made during the inaugural Egypt International Air Show from September 3 to 5 at El Alamein International Airport, reveals Egypt’s intent to replace its aging fleet of U.S. F-16s.

The J-10C, a highly capable 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet, was showcased by China for the first time on African soil during the air show. It features advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, making it a formidable alternative to Egypt’s current fleet.

Known for its air superiority missions, the J-10C has often been compared to the American F-16, which has been the backbone of the Egyptian Air Force since the 1980s.

However, with Egypt’s F-16s now considered outdated against modern air defense systems, the decision to transition to the Chinese fighters underscores a major upgrade in Egypt’s combat capabilities.

This move not only signals Egypt’s intent to reduce its reliance on U.S. defense systems but also reflects a broader shift in its international alliances.

Despite a long-standing defense relationship with the U.S., evidenced by a recent acquisition of C-130J Hercules transport aircraft through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, Egypt is clearly looking eastward.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over U.S. policies in the Middle East, including its stance on Israeli operations in Gaza, which may have influenced Cairo’s pivot to Chinese military technology.

China’s increasing presence in the Middle East and North Africa is bolstered by such deals, as Beijing continues to expand its influence through military cooperation and economic partnerships, particularly in energy imports.

The Egypt International Air Show provided a platform for showcasing this growing military-industrial relationship.