Russia’s Yakovlev Research and Development Bureau, headed by General Designer Oleg Demchenko, continues to develop high-tech military aircraft for the Russian army. Despite their apparent support for the war against Ukraine, neither Demchenko nor the company have been subject to international sanctions, allowing them to operate freely and keep their assets in Europe.

In addition, the company is actively working on import substitution, having started ground tests of PD-8 engines developed at the Russian company UDK-Saturn. These engines are planned to be used on Be-200 amphibious aircraft and as powerplants for heavy transport helicopters.

Earlier, Trap Aggressor published an investigation about Oleh Demchenko, who continues to own assets in Europe through his grandchildren and children. Yakovlev’s bureau is part of the Irkut Corporation, which, based on the bureau’s designs, mass-produces Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft and Su-30 fighters, which Russia used to launch X-31P and X-58 anti-radar missiles during the Great War. The Bureau also developed the Voron and Klest drones.