Russia to modernize An-2 with new domestic engine

A modernized An-2 is to be equipped with the VK-1600S engine from St. Petersburg, with a power output of 1,450 horsepower.

Consensus

The An-2 aircraft will be modernized with a new Russian VK-800 engine.
Deliveries of updated An-2 aircraft are expected to begin in 2028.
Preliminary deliveries with old engines are expected to start in 2027.
The project was announced by Vice-Premier and Presidential Envoy to the Far East Yuri Trutnev at the Eastern Economic Forum.
The Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsia issued a type certificate for the An-2 in July, designating SibNIAS named after Chapaev as the developer.
The modernization is intended to address the shortage of aircraft on regional routes.
The government acknowledges the need to develop a new light aircraft as a long-term alternative.

SibNIAS estimated that about 700 An-2 aircraft in storage have only 25–30% of their service life used, and modernization could cover the regional aviation deficit for several years. — fontanka
The United Engine Corporation approved the design of the VK-1600S turbo-prop engine in August, intended for small passenger aircraft including the An-2 and An-3, with 1450 horsepower and a 4500 m altitude rating. — kommersant
Trutnev inspected a regional aircraft in Vladivostok prior to the announcement. — vesti
The LMS-901 'Baikal' light multi-purpose aircraft project was reported to have stalled in May 2025, prompting the decision to return to An-2 modernization. — fontanka
Trutnev expressed personal disappointment about returning to the An-2, calling it 'a bit painful' that Russia is again relying on a 60–80-year-old aircraft. — kommersant