The Antonov An-26 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft developed in the Soviet Union as a military transport and cargo variant of the earlier An-24. Designed by the Antonov Design Bureau, it first flew in 1969 and entered service in the early 1970s. Its most notable feature compared to the An-24 is the rear cargo ramp, which significantly improved its utility for loading and unloading cargo, vehicles, and paratroopers. This made the An-26 especially useful for military logistics and humanitarian missions.

It retains much of the An-24’s high-wing layout and rugged design, which allows it to operate from unpaved or semi-prepared runways—ideal for austere or remote environments. The aircraft is powered by two Ivchenko AI-24VT turboprop engines, with a small auxiliary turbojet engine (the RU-19) mounted in the right engine nacelle to provide extra thrust during takeoff or in hot and high conditions.

Over the years, the An-26 has served in a wide range of roles beyond simple cargo transport, including medevac, surveillance, aerial photography, and even electronic warfare, depending on the variant. It’s been widely exported and used by many countries across Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, often valued for its durability and relatively low operating costs.

Despite its age, many An-26s remain in service today, especially in military and humanitarian roles. Its reputation as a reliable, if not particularly glamorous, workhorse has earned it a steady place in aviation history, particularly in the former Soviet bloc and other developing regions.