March 18, 2025: According to the statement made by the Acting Governor of Rostov Oblast Yuri Slyusar, import-substituting PD-8 engines developed by Rostec State Corporation are to be installed on multipurpose amphibians BE-200, produced by Beriev in Taganrog. Earlier, in March 2025 the first flights of a Sukhoi Superjet equipped with the new engines were successfully made in Komsomolsk-na-Amure.


The Be-200 is a large aircraft that has the ability, among others, to take off and land in water, scoop up 12 tons of water and then drop that water on a wildfire in 18 seconds. One fuelling is enough for dropping up to 270 tons of water. Beriev's Be-200 also can drop fire retardant chemicals, and deliver cargo, firefighters and other emergency equipment where they are needed. The airplane has a pressurized cabin and can be fitted with seats to carry passengers.