Russia's Il-76 aircraft malfunction due to poor-quality parts - media

The Russian outlet Kommersant reported the information.

The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has launched a criminal investigation against the management of the Balashikha Casting-Mechanical plant (BLMZ) under Article 201.1 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to abuse of power in executing a state defense order.

The investigation revealed that the BLMZ purchased bearings from an unidentified supplier that did not meet the design specifications. These substandard bearings were used in the production of wheels for the Il-76MD-90A aircraft, a modernized version of the Il-76 designed for transporting troops and cargo.

Poor-quality bearings caused the landing gear on five Il-76MD-90A aircraft to fail, representing a significant portion of the total number of such aircraft in service with the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The investigation believes that the actions of the BLMZ management have significantly harmed state interests, impacting the Russia's defense and security. Security forces have searched the plant and are questioning its managers and founders.

• As a result of a Ukrainian drone attack on the night of Saturday, July 20, fires broke out at the Russian Millerovo military airfield.