# Russia Tests Sberbank AI for Advanced Aircraft Design United Aircraft Corporation explores GigaChat to mitigate Western software sanctions in aerospace development. - **Source:** [Latest from TechRadar](https://www.techradar.com/feeds.xml) - **Published:** 2026-10-28 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7e06315d-89eb-4ccc-9265-8bdd67e3ea88 ## AI Integration in Aviation Russia's United Aircraft Corporation is experimenting with Sberbank's GigaChat large language model to assist in preliminary aircraft design. This initiative aims to explore various configurations before detailed engineering begins. While currently in an experimental phase, the project reflects a broader push to integrate domestic AI tools into complex aerospace development workflows. ## Scope of Experimental Application The current application of GigaChat focuses on processing information and evaluating multiple design configurations. Although engineers may eventually explore structural strength assessments and aerodynamic computations, these capabilities remain outside the initial scope. The manufacturer emphasizes that AI adoption must be selective, with specific engineering requirements determining the utility of these computational tools. ## Response to Western Sanctions Following the February 2022 conflict, major engineering software providers including Dassault Systèmes, Siemens, and Autodesk withdrew from Russia. This forced the aerospace sector to seek domestic alternatives to maintain operations. UAC has since deployed locally developed software across approximately 4,000 engineering computers to replace the functionality of these established international platforms. ## Infrastructure and Software Transition The transition to domestic software involved replacing nine essential modules responsible for managing aircraft development information throughout production and maintenance. UAC claims that these digital methods have significantly reduced calculation times for hydraulic systems and cabin temperatures. Tasks that previously required several months are now reportedly completed within days, though independent verification remains unavailable. ## Current Manufacturing Portfolio UAC currently manages the production of the Su-57 and Su-35 combat aircraft, alongside civilian programs like the MC21 passenger jet. Despite the integration of GigaChat, the corporation has not disclosed whether the AI model contributes to these specific fighter programs. The focus remains on utilizing digital technology to deepen problem understanding during design. ## MC21 Program Development Delays The MC21 passenger aircraft program faces ongoing setbacks as engineers replace imported equipment with domestic components. Vladimir Putin confirmed in June that the project timeline has slipped by nearly two years, partly due to technical issues involving the wing. These delays highlight the challenges of achieving full component substitution within the Russian aerospace industry. ## Certification and Future Targets First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov has established a late 2027 target for the certification of an MC21 version utilizing exclusively Russian components. This timeline underscores the pressure to stabilize domestic production capabilities. The success of this certification depends on the effective integration of local software and hardware solutions across the entire manufacturing chain. ## Strategic Shift in Engineering The reliance on domestic AI models like GigaChat marks a significant shift in Russian aerospace engineering strategy. By attempting to bypass Western technology restrictions through internal innovation, UAC seeks to maintain its design capacity. The long-term effectiveness of this approach will depend on the scalability of these experimental AI tools in complex, high-stakes aviation projects. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.techradar.com/pro/moscow-could-design-an-f-22-rival-using-an-ai-model-from-russias-jpmorgan-chase-sberbank-gigachat-used-its-llm-for-a-generative-design-of-a-new-aircraft — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._