Antonov An-225 Mriya: The world’s largest aircraft destroyed—why?

Abstract

This study examined the underlying reasons for the Russian attack on Antonov An-225 Mriya at Hostomel Airport, that occurred during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This analysis was conducted through a broad lens of national interest and international aviation. Politico-symbolic, economic, and strategic considerations might have driven the Kremlin to order the destruction of the world’s largest aircraft. Politico-symbolically, the aircraft symbolizes Ukraine. Thus, by destroying it, Russia sent a political message to Ukrainians and leaders in other capitals that Kyiv is under Russian orbit. The idea was to make it clear that no foreign power is allowed to interfere or influence the Ukrainian state of affairs. Economically, the destruction of the Mriya and the Russian seizure of the Antonov Company’s hub were intended to disrupt the independent growth of the Ukrainian aviation sector, thus forcing it to rely on Russia’s aeronautic manufacturers. Strategically, because the European Union and US-led military alliance have heavily relied on Ukraine’s Antonov Company’s fleets of heavy cargo aircraft to fill their strategic airlift gaps, the Kremlin’s order has disrupted and negatively affected military logistics in Europe. Furthermore, by destroying the only Antonov An-225 aircraft and seizing the Antonov Company’s key infrastructure at Hostomel Airport, Russia has also barred China from obtaining aerospace technology transfers from the underfunded Ukrainian aviation industry. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for future investigations on the wider Russia–Ukraine war.