Yakovlev Corporation
A Russian aircraft manufacturer and aerospace engineering organization formerly known as Irkut Corporation, now operating under the Yakovlev name within United Aircraft Corporation.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
Yakovlev Corporation is a Russian aircraft manufacturer and aerospace engineering organization headquartered in Moscow. The present company developed from the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, established in 1932 in the Soviet Union, and from Irkut Corporation, the corporate entity that later incorporated the Yakovlev Design Bureau and became a central part of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation commercial-aircraft structure. It should not be confused with the earlier Yakovlev design bureau as an entirely separate modern company: the contemporary Yakovlev corporate identity combines that design heritage with Irkut’s manufacturing, engineering and program-management activities. The enterprise began primarily as an aircraft production plant rather than as a standalone aircraft-design brand. Its early output included the Tupolev I-14 and SB bomber, followed during the Second World War by Petlyakov Pe-2 dive bombers and the Ilyushin Il-4 and Yermolayev Yer-2. After the war, the plant manufactured several Soviet bomber and transport types, including the Tupolev Tu-2, Tupolev Tu-14, Ilyushin Il-28 and Antonov An-12. It subsequently produced or assembled Antonov An-24 aircraft, Mikoyan MiG-23UB and MiG-27 variants, the Sukhoi Su-27UB, and later members of the Sukhoi Su-30 family. This production history made the organization an important Soviet and Russian military-aircraft manufacturing center, even though many of the aircraft were designed by other bureaus. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the enterprise was reorganized as a joint-stock company and renamed Irkut Corporation in 2002. Irkut pursued export-oriented defense programs, civil-aircraft manufacturing and international industrial partnerships. A major turning point came in 1996, when it signed a contract with India for Su-30MKI aircraft. It also participated in development and production of the Beriev Be-200 amphibious aircraft and entered component manufacturing arrangements with Airbus for the A320 family. In 2004, Irkut acquired or integrated the Yakovlev Design Bureau, adding a major Russian aircraft-design capability to its corporate structure. Irkut became part of United Aircraft Corporation when the Russian government consolidated major Russian aircraft organizations in 2006. It was later selected as the lead contractor for the MC-21 short- and medium-haul airliner program. In 2018, UAC transferred Sukhoi Civil Aircraft into Irkut, making Irkut the principal commercial-aircraft division for programs including the Superjet 100, MC-21 and the planned Russo-Chinese CR929 wide-body aircraft. The division also incorporated the Yakovlev design organization, UAC’s integration and avionics capabilities, and AeroComposit, a specialist in composite structures. In August 2023, Irkut adopted the Yakovlev name as part of a rebranding intended to unify the company’s commercial-aircraft programs under a historically recognizable Russian aviation identity. The Superjet 100 was redesignated SJ-100, while the MC-21 was presented under the Yakovlev brand. The company’s current portfolio therefore spans civil airliners, military aircraft manufacturing, aircraft design, engineering integration and aviation components. Its activities have been affected by international sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which have restricted access to Western aerospace technology, finance and supply chains. Yakovlev remains a strategic Russian aerospace enterprise, but its ownership, product-delivery timetable, international partnerships and access to imported components are subject to continuing political and industrial uncertainty.
History
Yakovlev Corporation traces its industrial origin to the establishment of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant in 1932 by the Soviet heavy-industry authorities. The plant’s construction was completed during the first half of the 1930s, and its first aircraft, a Tupolev I-14, flew in February 1935. It entered series production of the Tupolev SB bomber in 1936 and became an important wartime production site. From 1941 it delivered Petlyakov Pe-2 dive bombers, and from 1942 through the end of the Second World War it produced the Ilyushin Il-4 and Yermolayev Yer-2 long-range bombers. The postwar plant continued to manufacture aircraft designed by several leading Soviet design bureaus. Its programs included the Tupolev Tu-2 tactical bomber, Tupolev Tu-14, Ilyushin Il-28, Antonov An-12 and Antonov An-24. From the 1960s through the 1980s it also manufactured the Yakovlev Yak-28, MiG-23UB and MiG-27 aircraft. During the 1980s, specialists from the plant helped organize licensed MiG-27 production in India. The facility later produced the Sukhoi Su-27UB, whose first flight took place in 1986, and became involved in the Su-30 program during the transition to the post-Soviet period. In the Russian Federation, the organization was reorganized and eventually renamed Irkut Corporation in December 2002. It became the first Russian defense company to conduct an initial public offering, placing a minority shareholding on the market in 2004. That year, Irkut incorporated the Yakovlev Design Bureau into its structure. This combination gave the company access to an established aircraft-design identity in addition to its manufacturing base. Irkut also developed international commercial relationships, including an Airbus component-production agreement signed in 2004 for parts used on the A320 family. The Russian government created United Aircraft Corporation in 2006 by consolidating Irkut with major organizations including Ilyushin, Mikoyan, Sukhoi, Tupolev and Yakovlev. Irkut subsequently became a leading contractor for the MC-21 airliner. It also participated in the Be-200 amphibious-aircraft program and pursued several international partnerships. A planned joint venture with India for the Il-214 military transport aircraft was announced in 2007, while other cooperative projects with Airbus and EADS were later discontinued. In 2009, Irkut received EN 9100 quality-management certification, supporting its stated ambition to supply products to international aerospace markets. UAC progressively reshaped its commercial-aircraft structure. In late 2018 it transferred Sukhoi Civil Aircraft into Irkut, making Irkut the group’s principal airliner division. The enlarged division managed the Superjet 100, MC-21 and the planned CR929 wide-body program, while other aircraft programs remained under different UAC subsidiaries. The structure also brought together the Yakovlev design bureau, an avionics and integration organization, and AeroComposit. In August 2023, Irkut was rebranded Yakovlev. The change was intended to consolidate the company’s aircraft programs under a recognizable Russian aviation name. The Superjet 100 was redesignated SJ-100, and the MC-21 was marketed using the Yakovlev name. The company now represents a combination of historical aircraft manufacturing, design-bureau expertise and state-backed commercial-aircraft development. International sanctions have become a major factor in its recent history. The United States designated the company in 2022 under Executive Order 14024, and Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland and Japan introduced related measures. These restrictions affect financing, exports, technology access and the sourcing of imported aircraft components. A 2024 report alleged that the company continued seeking components from U.S. suppliers through a European intermediary. The allegation illustrates the supply-chain pressures surrounding Yakovlev, although the available reference does not establish a final legal judgment.
- 2023
Rebranded as Yakovlev
[1]Irkut adopted the Yakovlev name and rebranded its Superjet and MC-21 commercial-aircraft programs.
- 2022
United States sanctions imposed
[1]The company was designated by the United States under Executive Order 14024 in connection with Russia’s defense and aerospace sectors.
- 2018
Sukhoi Civil Aircraft transferred to Irkut
[1]UAC transferred Sukhoi Civil Aircraft into Irkut, strengthening Irkut’s role as the group’s commercial-aircraft division.
- 2009
Received EN 9100 certification
[1]Irkut became the first Russian-market company identified in the reference to receive EN 9100 aerospace quality-management certification.
- 2007
Selected as MC-21 lead contractor
[1]Irkut was selected as head contractor for Russia’s MC-21 short- and medium-haul airliner program.
- 2006
United Aircraft Corporation formed
[1]Irkut was consolidated with several major Russian aircraft organizations into United Aircraft Corporation.
- 2004
Yakovlev Design Bureau integrated
[1]Irkut incorporated the Yakovlev Design Bureau into its corporate structure.
- 2002
Renamed Irkut Corporation
[1]The Irkutsk Aviation Production Association adopted the Irkut Corporation name.
- 1996
Su-30MKI agreement with India
[1]Irkut and the Indian Air Force signed an agreement covering delivery of Su-30MKI aircraft.
- 1935
First aircraft flight
[1]The plant’s first aircraft, the Tupolev I-14, completed its first flight.
Products and positioning
A strategic Russian aerospace manufacturer and United Aircraft Corporation commercial-aircraft division combining aircraft production, design-bureau capabilities and civil-airliner programs.
Civil airliner · 2007
Yakovlev MC-21
The MC-21 is a Russian short- to medium-haul narrow-body airliner program for which Irkut was appointed lead contractor in 2007. It became one of the company’s central commercial-aircraft projects and was later marketed under the Yakovlev name. The program has been affected by sanctions and the need to replace imported systems and components.
Regional jet · 2023
SJ-100
The SJ-100 is the rebranded and substantially localized successor presentation of the Sukhoi Superjet 100. Following the 2023 Yakovlev rebranding, the aircraft adopted the SJ-100 designation. The program is intended for regional passenger service and has been subject to Russian localization efforts after foreign suppliers withdrew or became unavailable.
Military aircraft · 1996
Sukhoi Su-30 family
The Su-30 family is a multirole fighter and aircraft-production program associated with Irkut’s manufacturing activities. Irkut’s international significance grew through the Su-30MKI agreement with India and related production work. The aircraft were designed within the Sukhoi system, while Irkut served an important manufacturing and industrial role.
Amphibious aircraft · 1998
Beriev Be-200
The Be-200 is an amphibious aircraft developed in cooperation with the Beriev design organization. The first aircraft produced by the Irkutsk plant made its maiden flight in 1998. The type is associated particularly with firefighting and utility missions, and Irkut later participated in proposed international commercialization and production arrangements.
Military aircraft · 1960
Yak-28
The Yak-28 was a supersonic bomber and reconnaissance aircraft manufactured in series by the Irkutsk plant from 1960 to 1972. It represents one of the organization’s major Soviet-era production programs connected to the Yakovlev design lineage.
Controversies
2024
Alleged sanctions-evasion procurement network
A published report alleged that Yakovlev continued to obtain components from U.S. aerospace suppliers through a European intermediary despite sanctions. The available reference describes an allegation and does not establish a final adjudication or criminal conviction.
Marketing campaigns
- 2007MC-21 commercial-aircraft program
Russia · International civil aviation
Irkut was selected as the lead contractor for the MC-21 short- and medium-haul airliner, making the program the centerpiece of its civil-aircraft strategy.
Outcome. The program continued under the Yakovlev name but faced delays and localization requirements after sanctions disrupted foreign supply chains.
- 2004Airbus A320 component partnership
Europe · Russia · International aerospace supply chain
Irkut signed an agreement with Airbus to manufacture selected structural and equipment components for the A320 family, including landing-gear-bay and floor-related parts. The arrangement represented an effort to deepen the company’s participation in international civil-aerospace manufacturing.
Outcome. Created an international supply relationship; later commercial-aircraft cooperation evolved as market conditions and sanctions changed.
Brand decisions
2023
Rebrand Irkut as YakovlevStrategyBackground
UAC sought a unified identity for its commercial-aircraft activities and to emphasize a historically established Russian aircraft-design name.
Action taken
Irkut adopted the Yakovlev corporate name, while the Superjet 100 became SJ-100 and the MC-21 adopted the Yakovlev branding.
Aftermath
The rebrand linked modern civil-aircraft programs with the Yakovlev design heritage, although production and supply-chain constraints remained.
2018
Create a consolidated commercial-aircraft divisionStrategyBackground
UAC needed to organize its civil-aircraft programs after changes in ownership and cooperation surrounding Sukhoi Civil Aircraft.
Action taken
UAC transferred Sukhoi Civil Aircraft into Irkut and grouped related design, avionics and composite-manufacturing capabilities with the enlarged division.
Aftermath
Irkut became the principal UAC platform for the Superjet, MC-21 and planned CR929 commercial-aircraft programs.
2006
Join United Aircraft Corporation consolidationM&ABackground
The Russian government sought to consolidate major aircraft manufacturers and design organizations into a national aerospace group.
Action taken
Irkut was merged into the newly formed United Aircraft Corporation alongside major Russian aviation companies.
Aftermath
The consolidation placed Irkut within a state-backed industrial structure and enabled later integration of additional UAC commercial-aircraft units.
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