A-100 Premier

A-100 Premier

Type: Early Warning Aircraft

Domain: air

Country of Origin: Russia

Manufacturer: NPO Mashinostroyeniya

Overview

Next-generation airborne early warning and control aircraft based on the Il-76MD-90A transport platform. Features dual-band AESA radar providing 360-degree coverage, advanced battle management systems, and digital datalinks. Designed to replace aging A-50/A-50U Mainstay aircraft. Critical capability gap for Russian air operations after Ukrainian strikes destroyed/damaged existing AWACS fleet.

Technical Specifications

Crew15-20 (flight + mission specialists)
TypeAirborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C)
RadarVega A-100 Premier (active phased array)
StatusDevelopment — first flight completed 2017, trials ongoing
PlatformModified Ilyushin Il-476 (Il-76MD-90A)
Endurance10+ hours on station
Detection Range>600 km for large aircraft
Simultaneous Targets300+

Operators

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