According to the reports from russian state media, there was "a decision made" to resume the works on the IL-112V military transport aircraft, the revived project got a new name IL-212. The key difference is that now the aircraft will have PD-8 turbofan engines instead of the TV7-117ST turboprops.
The new IL-212 will only retain the predecessor's body airframe, flight instruments, and avionics while the chassis and wings, fuel system and hydraulic system will be altered significantly due to the integration of the jet engine.
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The russians give no estimates as to how long it will take to complete the project, nor are there any specifications of the future aircraft. The only note in that regard is that the IL-212 will have a greater load capacity than the IL-112V was supposed to have, that is no less than 5 tons.
As mentioned, the russian authorities decided to commence the IL-212 project with an intent to replace the fleet of russia's current military transport aircraft, comprised of An-26 and An-72. They struggle to find alternatives to the spare parts in a quantity enough to maintain them.
On the part of Defense Express, it should be added that basically the russian media here discuss a resuscitation of the IL-112 after an accident that led to the project being suspended: in 2021, the only produced aircraft of this type crashed. A possible cause under investigation was a fire inside one of the engines.
Worth noting, there is no confirmation that the PD-8 has entered production yet. Apparently, the russian aircraft makers believe that an unproven PD-8 would be more reliable and effective than the TV7-117ST turboprop.
If we take a look in The Military Balance, we'll find out russian Aerospace Forces have approximately 110 An-26, plus 25 An-72 cargo jets. Although the condition of this aircraft, lacking in maintenance, leaves room for doubt.
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