{{Short stratolaunchdescription|Soviet/Ukrainian isheavy thestrategic largestcargo aircraft ever built , not the an 225}}

{|{{Infobox aircraft begin

|national originnational_origin = [[Soviet Union]] ([[Ukrainian SSR]])

|design groupdesign_group = [[Antonov]]

|first flightfirst_flight = 21 December 1988

|introducedintroduction =

|status = [[Battle of Antonov Airport|Destroyed]]<br/>{{end date and age|2022|02|27|df=y|p=yes}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Russians destroy An-225 "Mriya", it will be restored at the expense of the occupant |url=https://ukroboronprom.com.ua/ |access-date=2022-04-27 |website=Ukroboronprom |language=en |archive-date=20 April 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140420051609/http://ukroboronprom.com.ua/equipment/127 |url-status=live }}</ref>

|primary userprimary_user = [[Antonov Airlines]]

|more usersmore_users =

|number builtnumber_built = 1<!-- Number of completed and flown aircraft - Per WP:AIR consensus. The second partially completed An-225 is already covered in article text. -->

|developed fromdeveloped_from = [[Antonov An-124 Ruslan]]

|variants with their own articles =

|developed intodeveloped_into = [[Antonov An-325]]

The '''Antonov An-225 Mriya''' ({{lang-langx|uk|Антонов Ан-225 Мрія|lit=dream' or 'inspiration}}; [[NATO reporting name]]: '''Cossack''') was a [[strategic airlift]] [[cargo aircraft]] designed and produced by the [[Antonov|Antonov Design Bureau]] in the [[Soviet Union]].

It was originally developed during the 1980s as an enlarged derivative of the [[Antonov An-124 Ruslan|Antonov An-124]] airlifter for the express purpose of transporting [[Buran programme(spacecraft)|''Buran'']] [[Buran (spacecraft)|orbiters]]. On 21 December 1988, the An-225 performed its [[maiden flight]]; only one aircraft was ever completed, although a second airframe with a slightly different configuration was partially built. After a brief period of use supportingin the Soviet space programprogramme, the aircraft was [[Aircraft boneyard|mothballed]] during the early 1990s. Towards the turn of the century, it was decided to refurbish the An-225 and reintroduce it for commercial operations, carrying oversized payloads for the operator [[Antonov Airlines]]. Multiple announcements were made regarding the potential completion of the second airframe, though its construction largely remained on hold due to a lack of funding. By 2009, it had reportedly been brought up to 60–70% completion.

With a maximum takeoff weight of {{convert|640|t|ST|sigfig=3}}, the An-225 held several records, including [[list of large aircraft|heaviest aircraft ever built]] and largest [[wingspan]] of any aircraft in operational serviceaircraft. It was commonly used to transport objects once thought impossible to move by air, such as 130-ton generators, [[wind turbine]] blades, and [[diesel locomotive]]s. Additionally, both Chinese and Russian officials had announced separate plans to adapt the An-225 for use in their respective space programmes. The Mriya routinely attracted a high degree of public interest, attaining a global following due to its size and its uniqueness.

The only completed An-225 was destroyed in the [[Battle of Antonov Airport]] in 2022 during the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]]. On 20 May 2022, Ukrainian president [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] announced plans to complete the second An-225 to replace the destroyed aircraft; Antonov announced plans to rebuild the destroyed aircraft in November 2022.

Work on what would become the Antonov An-225 would beginbegan in 1984 with a request from the Soviet government for a large airlifter as a replacement for the [[Myasishchev VM-T]].{{Sfn|Fricker|1990|p=58}} The specifics of this request included the ability to carry a maximum payload of {{convert|511,116|lb|kg|order=flip}}, both externally and internally, while operating from any runway of at least {{convert|11,500|ft|m|order=flip}}. As originally set out, the mission and objectives were broadly identical to that of the United States' [[Shuttle Carrier Aircraft]], having been designed to airlift the [[Energia (rocket)|Energia]] rocket's [[Zenit (rocket family)#Energia booster|boosters]] and the [[Buran programme#Buran orbiter|''Buran''-class orbiters]] for the [[Soviet space program]].<ref name="goebel">{{cite web |url= http://www.airvectors.net/avantgt.html#m3 |title= Antonov An-225 Mriya ("Cossack") |website= The Antonov Giants: An-22, An-124, & An-225 |access-date= 21 August 2012 |first= Greg |last= Goebel |archive-date= 5 December 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121205123323/http://www.airvectors.net/avantgt.html#m3 |url-status= live }}</ref>{{Sfn|Fricker|1990|p=58}} Furthermore, a relatively short timetable for the delivery of the completed aircraft meant that development would have to proceed at a rapid pace.{{Sfn|Fricker|1990|p=58}}

Accordingly, the [[Antonov|Antonov Design Bureau]] produced a derivative of their existing [[Antonov An-124 Ruslan]] airlifter.{{Sfn|Fricker|1990|p=58}} The aircraft was stretched via the addition of fore and aft fuselage barrel sections, while a new enlarged wing centre was designed that facilitated the carriage of an additional pair of [[Progress D-18T]] [[turbofan]] engines, increasing the total from four to six powerplants. A completely new tail was also required to handle the [[wake turbulence]] generated by the bulky external loads that would be carried on the aircraft's upper fuselage.{{Sfn|Fricker|1990|p=58}} Despite the novelty of its scale, the design of the An -225 was largely conventional.{{Sfn|Fricker|1990|p=57}} The lead designer of the An-225 (and the An-124) was [[Viktor Tolmachev]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 11, 2014 |title=Volga-Dnepr Group Celebrates 80th Birthday of Legendary Chief Designer of the An-124 and An-225 Transport Aircraft |url=http://www.volga-dnepr.com/en/press-center/news/3314/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817125734/http://www.volga-dnepr.com/en/press-center/news/3314/ |archive-date=2014-08-17 |access-date= |website=[[Volga-Dnepr]]}}</ref>

On 21 December 1988, the An-225 performed its [[maiden flight]].<ref name="AICC-BBC"/>{{Sfn|Eisenstein|2003|p=34}} It made its first public appearance outside the Soviet Union at the 1989 [[Paris Air Show]] where it was presented carrying a Buran orbiter.{{Sfn|Fricker|1990|p=56}} One year later, it performed a flying display for the public days at the [[Farnborough Air Show]]. While two aircraft had been ordered, only a single An-225, ([[Aircraft registration|registration]] ''CCCP-82060'', later ''UR-82060''<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=1154941&size=L |title= Aviation Photo #1154941: Antonov An-225 Mriya - Antonov Design Bureau |website= airliners.net |access-date= 16 September 2016 |archive-date= 10 May 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090510065506/http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=1154941&size=L |url-status= live }}</ref>) was finished. It could carry ultra-heavy and oversized freight weighing up to {{convert|250000|kg|lb|abbr=on}} internally<ref name="goebel"/> or {{convert|200000|kg|lb|abbr=on}} on the upper fuselage. Cargo on the upper fuselage can be up to {{convert|70|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length.<ref name="antonov">{{cite web |url= http://www.antonov.com/aircraft/transport-aircraft/an-225-mriya |website= [[Antonov]] |title= AN-225 Mriya / Super Heavy Transport |access-date= 28 February 2022 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120728003529/http://www.antonov.com:80/aircraft/transport-aircraft/an-225-mriya |archive-date= 28 July 2012 |df= dmy-all}}</ref>

A second An-225 was partially built during the late 1980s for the Soviet space program, however, work on the airframe was suspended following the collapse of the Soviet Union. By 2000, the need for additional An-225 capacity had become apparent; during September 2006, it was decided that the second An-225 would be completed, a feat that was at one point scheduled to occur around 2008. However, the work was subject to repeated delays.<ref>[http://www.aviationexplorer.com/Antonov_AN-225.html Antonov An-225 Mriya Aircraft History, Facts and Pictures] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118213807/http://www.aviationexplorer.com/Antonov_AN-225.html |date=18 January 2022 }}. Aviationexplorer</ref> By August 2009, the aircraft had not been completed and work had been abandoned.<ref name="FlightglobalWorldsLargestAircraftAn-225EmergesToSetNewLiftRecord">{{cite news |title= World's largest aircraft, An-225, emerges to set new lift record |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/08/17/331063/video-worlds-largest-aircraft-an-225-emerges-to-set-new-lift-record.html |work= [[Flightglobal]] |publisher= [[Flight International]] |date= 17 August 2009 |access-date= 30 September 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090820182256/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/08/17/331063/video-worlds-largest-aircraft-an-225-emerges-to-set-new-lift-record.html |archive-date= 20 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.buran-energia.com/blog/2008/12/22/the-mriya-2-2/lang/en/ |title= The Mriya 2: Pictures |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141218114054/http://www.buran-energia.com/blog/2008/12/22/the-mriya-2-2/lang/en |archive-date= 18 December 2014 |publisher= Buran-energia.com}}</ref> In May 2011, the Antonov CEO reportedly stated that the completion of the second An-225, which would have a carrying capacity of 250 tons, requires at least $300&nbsp;million; upon the provision of sufficient financing, its completion could be achieved in three years.<ref name="$300m needed for completion of An-225 transport">{{cite web |url= http://www.ukrainianjournal.com/index.php?w=article&id=12454 |title= Ukrainian Journal |first= TAC |last= webstudio |website= ukrainianjournal.com |access-date= 16 September 2016 |archive-date= 17 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210117180837/http://www.ukrainianjournal.com/index.php?w=article&id=12454 |url-status= live }}</ref> According to different sources, the second aircraft was 60–70% complete by 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ruaviation.com/news/2011/5/11/304/ |title= Ukraine may finish the construction of second An-225 Mriya transport aircraft – News – Russian Aviation |publisher= Ruaviation.Com |access-date= 6 April 2012 |archive-date= 28 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200728053738/https://www.ruaviation.com/news/2011/5/11/304/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name="flightrevival">{{cite web |last= Trimble |first= Steven |date= 31 August 2016 |title= An-225 revival proposed in new Antonov-China pact |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/an-225-revival-proposed-in-new-antonov-china-pact-428949/ |website= [[Flightglobal]] |access-date= 15 December 2016 |archive-date= 20 December 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161220172637/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/an-225-revival-proposed-in-new-antonov-china-pact-428949/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name="ainrevival">{{cite news |last= Yeo |first= Mike |date= 6 September 2016 |title= Antonov Sells Dormant An-225 Heavylifter Program to China |url= http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2016-09-06/antonov-sells-dormant-225-heavylifter-program-china |newspaper= Aviation International News |access-date= 15 December 2016 |archive-date= 28 February 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220228105535/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2016-09-06/antonov-sells-dormant-225-heavylifter-program-china |url-status= live }}</ref>

The revival of space activities involving the An-225 was repeatedly announced and speculated upon throughout its life. During the early 2000s, studies were conducted into the production of an even larger An-225 derivative, the eight-engined [[Antonov An-325]], which was intended to be used in conjunction with Russia's in-development [[MAKS (spacecraft)|MAKS space plane]].{{Sfn|Eisenstein|2003|p=35}} In April 2013, the Russian government announced plans to revive Soviet-era [[air launch]] projects that would use a purpose-built modification to the An-225 as a midair launchpad.<ref name="Aerial Launch">{{cite news |url= http://www.interfax.ru/russia/txt.asp?id=303221 |script-title= ru:Правительство задумалось о "Воздушном старте" |date= 23 April 2013 |work= [[Interfax]] |access-date= 29 April 2013 |language= ru |archive-date= 28 April 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130428112540/http://interfax.ru/russia/txt.asp?id=303221 |url-status= live }}</ref>{{Update after|2014|04|30|}}

In May 2017, Airspace Industry Corporation of China (AICC)'s president, Zhang You-Sheng, informed a [[BBC]] reporter that AICC had first contemplated cooperation with Antonov in 2009 and made contact with them two years later. AICC intends to modernize the second unfinished An-225 and develop it into an [[air launch to orbit]] platform for commercial [[satellite]]s at altitudes up to {{convert|12000|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name="AICC-BBC">{{cite news |last1= Borys |first1= Christian |others= Pictures by Anton Skyba |title= The world's biggest plane may have a new mission |url= http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170503-the-worlds-biggest-plane-may-have-a-new-mission |work= [[BBC]] |language= en-gb |date= 4 May 2017 |access-date= 28 February 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211025214812/https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170503-the-worlds-biggest-plane-may-have-a-new-mission |archive-date= 25 October 2021 |url-status= live |quote= Although the plane, nicknamed 'Mriya' ('Dream') in Ukrainian, is in fine condition, there are very few jobs that call for something so large. And the jobs need to be urgent, if you want to use the An-225 it will cost around $30,000 (£23,220) an hour|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The aviation media cast doubt on the production restart, speculating that the ongoing Russia–Ukraine[[Russo-Ukrainian conflictwar]] would prevent various necessary components that would have been sourced from Russia from being delivered; it may be possible that China could manufacture them instead.<ref name="AVwebWorldsLargestAirplaneBackInPlay">{{cite news |last1= Grady |first1= Mary |title= World's Largest Airplane Back in Play |url= http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Worlds-Largest-Airplane-Back-In-Play-226950-1.html |access-date= 16 September 2016 |publisher= AVweb |date= 14 September 2016 |archive-date= 28 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200728073808/https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Worlds-Largest-Airplane-Back-In-Play-226950-1.html |url-status= live }}</ref> That project did not move forward but UkrOboronProm, the parent company of Antonov, had continued to seek partners to finish the second airframe.<ref>{{cite news |last1= Beresnevicius |first1= Rytis |title= Ukraine mulling to complete the second Antonov An-225 Mriya |url= https://www.aerotime.aero/27146-second-an225-potential |access-date= 17 October 2021 |work= Aerotime |date= 3 February 2021 |archive-date= 10 December 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211210005023/https://www.aerotime.aero/27146-second-an225-potential |url-status= live }}</ref>

On 25 March 2020, the first An-225 commenced a series of test flights from [[Hostomel Airport]] near Kyiv, after more than a year out of service, for the installation of a domestically designed power management and control system.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/air-transport/an-225-returns-to-flight-after-modernisation/137555.article |title= An-225 returns to flight after modernisation |first= David |last= Kaminski-Morrow |date= 26 March 2020 |work= Flightglobal |access-date= 27 March 2020 |archive-date= 26 March 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200326165339/https://www.flightglobal.com/air-transport/an-225-returns-to-flight-after-modernisation/137555.article |url-status= live }}</ref>

The Antonov An-225 was a [[strategic airlift]] [[cargo aircraft]] that retained many similarities with the preceding An-124 airlifter that it was derived from. It had a longer fuselage and cargo deck due to the addition of fuselage barrel extensions that were fitted both fore and aft of the wings.{{Sfn|Fricker|1990|p=58}} The wings, which were [[Anhedral (aeronautics)|anhedral]], also received root extensions to increase their span.<ref>{{cite web |last1 = Jackson |first1 = Dave |title = Ask Us - Wing Twist and Dihedral |url = http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/dynamics/q0055.shtml |website = www.aerospaceweb.org |date = 2 December 2001 |access-date= 19 September 2019 |archive-date= 9 March 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210309170316/http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/dynamics/q0055.shtml |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name=mf/> The [[flight control surfaces]] were controlled via [[fly-by-wire]] and powered by triple-redundant [[hydraulics]].<ref name="ramAn225">{{cite web |date=20 October 2001 |title=An-225 (An-225-100) "Мрiя" |url=http://ram-home.com/ram-old/an-225.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031011047/http://ram-home.com/ram-old/an-225.html |archive-date=31 October 2015 |access-date=31 October 2010 |publisher=Russian Aviation Museum}}</ref> Furthermore, the [[empennage]] of the An-225 was a [[twin tail]] with an oversized, swept-back [[Stabilizer (aircraft)|horizontal stabilizer]], having been redesigned from the single [[vertical stabilizer]] of the An-124. The use of a twin tail arrangement was essential to enable the aircraft to carry its bulky external loads that would generate [[wake turbulence]], disturbing the [[aerodynamics|airflow]] around a conventional tail.{{Sfn|Fricker|1990|p=58}}{{Sfn|Eisenstein|2003|p=35}}

Unlike the An-124, the An-225 was not intended for [[Airlift#Tactical airlift|tactical airlifting]] and was not designed for [[STOL|short-field operations]].<ref name="goebel" /> Accordingly, the An-225 does not have a rear cargo door or ramp, as are present on the An-124, these features having been eliminated in order to save weight. The [[cargo hold]] was {{convert|1300|m3|abbr=on}} in volume; {{convert|6.4|m|ftin|abbr=on}} wide, {{convert|4.4|m|ft|abbr=on}} high, and {{convert|43.35|m|ftin|abbr=on}} long<ref name="ramAn225"/><ref name=acs>{{cite web |url = http://www.aircharterservice.aero/cargo/aircraft/antonov_an225.htm |title = Antonov An 225 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120415013519/http://www.aircharterservice.aero/cargo/aircraft/antonov_an225.htm |archive-date = 15 April 2012 |website = Air Charter Service |access-date = 6 September 2012 |df = dmy-all}}</ref>—longer than the [[Wright Flyer#Flight trials at Kitty Hawk|first flight of the Wright Flyer]].<ref name="NASM">{{cite web |url = http://www.nasm.si.edu/exhibitions/gal100/wright1903.html |title = Exhibitions |date = 28 April 2016 |website = si.edu |access-date = 16 September 2016 |archive-date = 25 December 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181225123954/https://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.fai.org/news_archives/fai/000295.asp |title = 100 Years Ago, the Dream of Icarus Became Reality |publisher = FAI News |date = 17 December 2003 |access-date = 5 January 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110113080326/http://www.fai.org/news_archives/fai/000295.asp |archive-date = 13 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last = Lindberg |first = Mark |url = http://www.wingsofhistory.org/index.php/library/articles-of-interest/mark-lindberg/a-century-of-flight |title = Century of Flight |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120604020550/http://www.wingsofhistory.org/index.php/library/articles-of-interest/mark-lindberg/a-century-of-flight |archive-date = 4 June 2012 |publisher = Wings of History Museum |date = 2003 |access-date = 27 August 2011}}</ref> The cargo hold, which was [[Cabin pressurization|pressurized]] and furnished with extensive [[soundproofing]], could contain up to 80 standard-dimension cars, 16 [[intermodal container]]s, or up to {{convert|551,150|lb|kg|order=flip}} of general cargo.{{Sfn|Fricker|1990|p=59}}

As originally constructed, the An-225 had a maximum gross weight of {{convert|600|t|ST|abbr=on}}, however, between 2000 and 2001, the aircraft received numerous modifications at a cost of {{US$|20}}{{nbsp}}million, such as the addition of a reinforced floor, which increased the maximum gross weight to {{convert|640|t|ST|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Forward">{{cite magazine |last1 = Forward |first1 = David C |title = Antonov's Dream Machine |page = 23 |magazine = Airways |date = June 2004 |oclc = 1250598428}}</ref><ref name="Spaeth">{{cite magazine |last1 = Spaeth |first1 = Andreas |title = When size matters |page = 29 |magazine = [[Air International]] |date = December 2009 |issn = 0306-5634 |lccn = 74646112 |oclc = 1237957535}}</ref>{{Sfn|Gordon|Komissarov|Komissarov|2004|p=76}} Both the earlier and later takeoff weights establish the An-225 as the world's heaviest aircraft, exceeding the weight of the double-deck [[Airbus A380]] airliner. Airbus claims to have improved upon the An-225's maximum landing weight by landing an A380 at {{convert|591.7|t|ST|abbr=on}} during testing.<ref name="FlightglobalAirbusRevealsA380-LinkedPilotSystemsSecrets">{{cite news |last1 = Learmount |first1 = David |title = Airbus reveals A380-linked pilot systems secrets |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airbus-reveals-a380-linked-pilot-systems-secrets-327310/ |access-date = 9 July 2009 |work = [[Flightglobal]] |date = 3 June 2009 |location = London, UK |archive-date= 18 February 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140218204922/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airbus-reveals-a380-linked-pilot-systems-secrets-327310/ |url-status= live }}</ref>{{efn|The [[Hughes H-4 Hercules]] flying boat, also known as the ''Spruce Goose'', had a greater wingspan and overall height, but was lighter (at 113 t empty) and 20% shorter due to the materials used in its construction. The H-4 only flew once and for less than a minute, making the An-225 the largest aircraft in the world to fly multiple times.<ref name="ramAn225"/><ref name="avzone">{{cite web |url = http://www.theaviationzone.com/factsheets/an225.asp |title = Antonov An-225 Mryia (Cossack) |website = The Aviation Zone |access-date = 1 July 2011 |archive-date= 25 September 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180925112446/http://www.theaviationzone.com/factsheets/an225.asp |url-status= live }}</ref>}}

The Antonov An-225 Mriya was originally operated between 1988 and 1991 as the prime method of transporting ''Buran''-class orbiters for the Soviet space program.<ref name="avzone"/> Its first pilot was Oleksandr Halunenko, who continued flying it until 2004.<ref name="NYT April 2022">{{Cite news |last=Gettleman |first=Jeffrey |date=2022-04-22 |title=One Ukrainian War Casualty: The World's Largest Airplane |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/22/world/europe/ukraine-airplane-russia-war-mriya.html |access-date=2023-03-28 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=28 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328045757/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/22/world/europe/ukraine-airplane-russia-war-mriya.html |url-status=live }}</ref> "[[Antonov Airlines]]" was concurrently founded in 1989 after it was set up as a holding company by the Antonov Design Bureau as a heavy airlift shipping corporation. This company was to be based in [[Kyiv]], Ukraine, and operate from [[Luton Airport|London Luton Airport]] in partnership with [[Air Foyle HeavyLift]].<ref name="antonov"/><ref name="goleta">{{cite web |url = http://www.air-and-space.com/Antonov%20An-225%20Mriya.htm |website = Goleta Air & Space Museum |title = An-225 Mriya, NATO: Cossack |access-date = 31 March 2004 |archive-date= 22 June 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130622012446/http://www.air-and-space.com/Antonov%20An-225%20Mriya.htm |url-status= live }}</ref> While operations began with a fleet of four An-124-100s and three [[Antonov An-12]]s, the need for aircraft larger than the An-124 became apparent by the late 1990s.<ref name="aircraft info"/>

By this time, the Soviet Union was no longer in existence and the ''Buran'' programmeprogram had been terminated; consequentiallyconsequently, the sole completed An-225 was left unused and without a purpose.{{Sfn|Eisenstein|2003|p=35}} As early as 1990, Antonov officials were openly speaking on their ambitions for the aircraft to enter commercial use.{{Sfn|Fricker|1990|p=59}} Despite this, in 1994, it was decided to put the An-225 into long-term storage.<ref>[http://www.airliners.net/aircraft-data/stats.main?id=389 Antonov An-225 Mriya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609050513/http://www.airliners.net/aircraft-data/stats.main?id=389 |date=9 June 2016 }}. Airliners.net.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url = https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/antonov-an-225-kiev-ukraine/index.html |title = World's biggest unfinished plane hidden in a hangar |last = Fedykovych |first = Pavlo |date = 31 August 2018 |work = CNN Travel |access-date = 1 September 2018 |language = en |archive-date= 28 February 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220228030425/https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/antonov-an-225-kiev-ukraine/index.html |url-status= live }}</ref> During this time, all six of its engines were removed for use on various An-124s, while the second uncompleted An-225 airframe was also stored. As the 1990s progressed, it became clear that there was sufficient demand for a cargolinercargo liner even bigger than the An-124. Accordingly, it was decided that the first An-225 would be restored.<ref name="ramAn225"/><ref name=mf>[http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=58 "Antonov An-225 Mriya (Cossack) Heavy Lift Strategic Long-Range Transport"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421194056/https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=58 |date=21 April 2021 }}. ''Military Factory'', 23 August 2012. Retrieved: 2 August 2020.</ref>

The aircraft was re-engined, received modifications to modernise and better adapt it to heavy cargo transport operations, and placed back in service under the management of Antonov Airlines.{{Sfn|Eisenstein|2003|p=35}} It became the workhorse of the Antonov Airlines fleet, transporting objects once thought impossible to move by air, such as 130-ton generators, [[wind turbine]] blades, and even [[diesel locomotive]]s.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/04/16/putin-wrecked-largest-aircraft-ever-built/|title = How Putin wrecked the largest aircraft ever built |newspaper = The Telegraph |date = 16 April 2022 |last1 = Oliver |first1 = Matt}}</ref> It also became an asset to international relief organizations for its ability to quickly transport huge quantities of emergency supplies during multiple disaster-relief operations.<ref name="aircraft info">{{cite web |url = http://www.aircraft-info.net/aircraft/jet_aircraft/antonov/AN-225 |website = Aircraft-Info.net |title = Antonov An-225 |access-date = 15 February 2004 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040401135622/http://www.aircraft-info.net/aircraft/jet_aircraft/antonov/AN-225 |archive-date = 1 April 2004 |url-status = dead}}</ref>

Under Antonov Airlines, the An-225 received its type certificate from the Interstate Aviation Committee Aviation Register (IAC AR) on 23 May 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.mak.ru/english/kommissions/aviareg/certificates/sertifikati_tipa_na_vozdushnie_suda.html |title = Type Certificates for Aircraft |access-date = 8 January 2007 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080430200431/http://www.mak.ru/english/kommissions/aviareg/certificates/sertifikati_tipa_na_vozdushnie_suda.html |archive-date = 30 April 2008}}</ref> The type's first flight in commercial service departed from [[Stuttgart]], Germany, on 3 January 2002, and flew to [[Thumrait, Oman]], with 216,000 prepared meals for American military personnel based in the region. This vast number of ready meals was transported on 375 pallets and weighed 187.5 tons.{{Sfn|Eisenstein|2003|p=35}}<ref name=airfoyle2>{{cite web |url = http://www.airfoyle.co.uk/services/an225.asp |website = airfoyle.co.uk |title = Antonov Airlines:An-225 Mriya |access-date = 10 September 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060523173109/http://www.airfoyle.co.uk/services/an225.asp |archive-date = 23 May 2006 |url-status = dead}}</ref> The An-225 was later contracted by the Canadian and U.S. governments to transport military supplies to the Middle East in support of coalition forces.<ref name="aircraft info"/> An example of the cost of shipping cargo by An-225 was over {{DKK|2 million|link=yes}} (about {{€|266,000}}) for flying a chimney duct from [[Billund Airport|Billund]], Denmark, to Kazakhstan in 2004.<ref name="steelcon">{{cite web |url = http://www.steelcon.com/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/News/Steelcon__News_GB.pdf |title = Steelcon News |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110716133659/http://www.steelcon.com/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/News/Steelcon__News_GB.pdf |archive-date = 16 July 2011 |publisher = steelcon.com |access-date = 13 June 2010}}</ref>

During 2016, Antonov Airlines ceased cooperation with Air Foyle and partnered with [[Volga-Dnepr Airlines|Volga-Dnepr]] instead. This in turn led to the An-225's blue and yellow paint scheme, was added in 2009.<ref name="2009paint">{{cite web |url = http://spotters.net.ua/files/images/0000019427_large.jpeg |title = Photo of the An-225 in new paint scheme |access-date = 30 December 2009 |website = Spotters.net |year = 2009 |archive-date= 26 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200726064707/http://spotters.net.ua/files/images/0000019427_large.jpeg |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name="vdganswer">{{cite web |last = Ingram |first = Frederick C. |url = http://www.answers.com/topic/volga-dnepr-group |title = Volga-Dnepr Group |website = answers.com |access-date = 24 July 2010 |archive-date= 21 March 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190321161123/http://www.answers.com/topic/volga-dnepr-group |url-status= live }}</ref> These matched the colors of the Ukrainian flag and led to the An-225 becoming "Ukraine's winged ambassador to the world," in the words of ''The New York Times''.<ref name="NYT April 2022"/>

When the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] impacted the world in early 2020, the An-225 participated in the relief effort by conducting flights to deliver medical supplies from China to other parts of the world.<ref name="covid-globe">{{cite news |last1 = Chase |first1 = Steven |title = World's biggest cargo plane to ship Chinese PPE to Quebec |url = https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-worlds-biggest-cargo-plane-to-ship-chinese-ppe-to-quebec/ |access-date = 2 May 2020 |work = [[The Globe and Mail]] |date = 27 April 2020 |archive-date= 1 March 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210301235141/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-worlds-biggest-cargo-plane-to-ship-chinese-ppe-to-quebec/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1 = Charpentreau |first1 = Clément |title = Antonov An-225 Mriya breaks two records in one week |url = https://www.aerotime.aero/clement.charpentreau/24837-antonov-an-225-mriya-breaks-two-records-in-one-week |website = Aerotime Hub |access-date = 2 May 2020 |date = 20 April 2020 |archive-date= 9 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201109202748/https://www.aerotime.aero/clement.charpentreau/24837-antonov-an-225-mriya-breaks-two-records-in-one-week |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Ukraine's Mega-Plane Works Overtime Through Pandemic |url = https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraines-giant-freight-plane-works-overtime-during-pandemic/30581731.html |access-date = 2 May 2020 |agency = Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date = 29 April 2020 |archive-date= 27 February 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220227153028/https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraines-giant-freight-plane-works-overtime-during-pandemic/30581731.html |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1 = Holmes |first1 = Loren |last2 = Roth |first2 = Bill |title = World's largest cargo plane stops in Anchorage on its way to Canada with medical supplies |url = https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2020/05/01/worlds-largest-airplane-stops-in-anchorage-on-its-way-to-canada-with-medical-supplies/ |access-date = 2 May 2020 |work = Anchorage Daily News |date = 1 May 2020 |archive-date= 24 February 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220224234432/https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2020/05/01/worlds-largest-airplane-stops-in-anchorage-on-its-way-to-canada-with-medical-supplies/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

The aircraft was popular with [[Aircraft spotting|aviation enthusiast]]s, who frequently visited airports to view its scheduled arrivals and departures.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/antonov-an225-mriya-worlds-biggest-planes-perth-landing-delayed-20160515-goven7.html |title = Antonov An-225 Mriya touches down in WA amid traffic chaos near Perth Airport |publisher = WANews.com |date = 16 May 2016 |access-date = 9 October 2018 |archive-date= 29 April 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180429154433/http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/antonov-an225-mriya-worlds-biggest-planes-perth-landing-delayed-20160515-goven7.html |url-status= live }}</ref>

On 11 August 2009, the heaviest single cargo item ever sent by air was loaded onto the An-225. At {{convert|16.23|m|ftin|frac=2|abbr=on}} long and {{convert|4.27|m|ftin|frac=2|abbr=on}} wide, its consignment, a generator for a gas power plant in Armenia along with its loading frame, represented a payload of {{convert|189980|kg|lb|abbr=on|lk=on}},<ref name= "Armenia1">[http://www.aircargonews.com/091110/FT091113.html Cargo manifest picture] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226180729/http://www.aircargonews.com/091110/FT091113.html |date=26 February 2022 }} ''Air Cargo News'' 13 November 2009. Retrieved: 30 May 2012.</ref><ref name="Armenia2">{{cite web |url = http://www.eft.com/freight-transport/frankfurt-hahn-airport-sets-world-record |title = Ukraine's An-225 aircraft sets new record for heaviest single cargo item transported by air |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120430170935/http://www.eft.com/freight-transport/frankfurt-hahn-airport-sets-world-record |archive-date = 30 April 2012 |publisher = Eye for Transport |date = 18 August 2009}}</ref> It also transported a total payload of {{convert|247000|kg|abbr=on}} on a commercial flight.<ref name="FlightglobalAn-225SetsNewRecordForPayload">{{cite news |title = An-225 sets new record for payload |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/an-225-sets-new-record-for-payload-183467/ |work = [[Flightglobal]] |date = 29 June 2004 |access-date = 2 May 2013 |archive-date= 3 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131003050227/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/an-225-sets-new-record-for-payload-183467/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

On 11 September 2001, carrying five [[main battle tank]]s<ref>{{Cite web |lastlast1=Mladenov |firstfirst1=Alexander |last2=Grozev |first2=Krassimir |date=2023-12-15 |title=An-225 Mriya: Antonov’sAntonov's Lonely Giant |url=https://www.key.aero/article/225-mriya-antonovs-lonely-giant |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=www.key.aero |language=en |archive-date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202013658/https://www.key.aero/article/225-mriya-antonovs-lonely-giant |url-status=live }}</ref> at a record load of {{convert|253.82|t|ST}} of cargo,<ref name="FAI_payload_record">{{cite web |url = https://fai.org/record/15193 |title = Payload record in the official FAI database |date = 10 October 2017 |access-date = 5 October 2022 |archive-date= 1 December 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211201030903/https://www.fai.org/record/15193 |url-status= live }}</ref> the An-225 flew at an altitude of up to {{convert|10750|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name="FAI_250t_height">{{cite web |url = http://www.fai.org/fai-record-file/?recordId=7133 |title = Height record with 250t payload in the FAI database |access-date = 2 May 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140202104240/http://www.fai.org/fai-record-file/?recordId=7133 |archive-date = 2 February 2014 |url-status = dead}}</ref> over a closed circuit of {{convert|1000|km|mi|abbr=on}} at a speed of {{convert|763.2|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name="FAI_250t_speed_record">{{cite web |url = http://www.fai.org/fai-record-file/?recordId=7131 |title = Speed record with 250t payload over 1000km closed circuit in the official FAI database |access-date = 2 May 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140202104236/http://www.fai.org/fai-record-file/?recordId=7131 |archive-date = 2 February 2014 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref name="Special planes: The Antonov-225 Mriya">{{Cite web |url = http://www.eurotrib.com/story/2006/4/8/13392/35796 |title = Special planes: The Antonov-225 "Mriya" |website = European Tribune |date = 8 April 2006 |access-date= 1 July 2008 |archive-date= 22 December 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051949/http://www.eurotrib.com/story/2006/4/8/13392/35796 |url-status= live }}</ref> During 2017, the hired cost was {{US$|30000}} ({{GBP|23220}}) per hour.{{r|AICC-BBC}}

On 11 June 2010, the An-225 carried the world's longest piece of air cargo, two {{convert|42.1|m|ft|abbr=on}} test [[wind turbine]] blades from [[Tianjin]], China, to [[Vojens Airport|Skrydstrup]], Denmark.<ref name="KyivPostUkrainesMriyaAn-225AircraftSetsNewRecord">{{cite news |title = Ukraine's Mriya An-225 aircraft sets new record |url = https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/ukraines-mriya-an-225-aircraft-sets-new-record-69397.html |access-date = 2 October 2014 |work = [[Kyiv Post]] |agency = [[Interfax-Ukraine]] |date = 11 June 2010 |archive-date= 19 November 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161119063706/https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/ukraines-mriya-an-225-aircraft-sets-new-record-69397.html |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name="SNCFGeodis11June2010PressRelease">{{cite press release |title = Geodis Wilson managed record-breaking airfreight move |url = http://www.geodiswilson.com/t/newspage.aspx?id=1785 |publisher = [[SNCF Geodis]] |date = 11 June 2010 |access-date= 2 October 2014 |archive-date= 2 October 2014 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20141002202854/http://www.geodiswilson.com/t/newspage.aspx?id=1785 |url-status= live }}</ref>

On 27 September 2012, the An-225 hosted the highest altitude art exhibition in the world at {{convert|10150|m|ft|0|abbr=off}} above sea level during the AviaSvit-XX1 Aerospace Show at [[Hostomel Airport|Antonov Airport]]. The exhibition was part of the Globus Gallery based in Kyiv and consisted of 500 artworks by 120 Ukrainian artists.<ref>{{Cite web |title = AN-225 "MRIYA" |url = https://antonov.com/en/history/an-225-mriya |access-date = 21 October 2022 |website= antonov.com |archive-date= 21 October 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221021021551/https://antonov.com/en/history/an-225-mriya |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title = Ukraine: Art, Painting, Artists :: ArtBoyko.com |url = http://artboyko.com/about;8;16;en |access-date = 21 October 2022 |website= artboyko.com |archive-date= 21 October 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221021020049/http://artboyko.com/about;8;16;en |url-status= live }}</ref>

The aircraft's last commercial mission was from 2 to 5 February 2022, to collect almost 90 tons of COVID-19 test kits from [[Tianjin Airport|Tianjin]], China, and deliver them to [[Billund Airport|Billund]], Denmark, via [[Manas International Airport|Bishkek]], Kyrgyzstan.<ref name="Ponomarenko">{{cite web |last1 = Ponomarenko |first1 = Illia |author-link= Illia Ponomarenko |title = Chief pilot of destroyed An-225: 'We must complete the second Mriya' |url = https://kyivindependent.com/national/chief-pilot-of-destroyed-an-225-we-must-complete-the-second-mriya/ |website = The Kyiv Independent |access-date = 15 April 2022 |date= 15 April 2022 |archive-date= 15 April 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220415201951/https://kyivindependent.com/national/chief-pilot-of-destroyed-an-225-we-must-complete-the-second-mriya/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name="Flightradar24">{{cite web |title = A tribute to the Antonov AN-225 |url = https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/a-tribute-to-the-antonov-an-225/ |website = Flightradar24 |access-date = 15 April 2022 |date = 4 March 2022 |archive-date= 8 April 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220408072704/https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/a-tribute-to-the-antonov-an-225/ |url-status= live }}</ref> From there, it returned on 5 February to its base at [[Antonov Airport]] in [[Hostomel]],<ref name="Flightradar24" /> where it underwent an engine swap.<ref name="Ponomarenko" /> On the advice of NATO it was prepared for evacuation, scheduled for the morning of 24 February, but on that day [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russia invaded]], with the airfield being one of their first targets.<ref name="Ponomarenko" /> A ban on civilian flights was quickly enacted by Ukrainian authorities.<ref name="Ponomarenko" /> During the ensuing [[Battle of Antonov Airport]], the runway was rendered unusable.<ref name="Ponomarenko" />

On 24 February, the An-225 was said to be intact.<ref name="KEY.Aero">{{cite web |date = 24 February 2022 |title = Antonov An-225 Mriya is safe |url = https://www.key.aero/article/antonov-an225-reported-safe |access-date = 24 February 2022 |website = KEY.Aero |archive-date= 24 February 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220224215705/https://www.key.aero/article/antonov-an225-reported-safe |url-status= live }}</ref> On 27 February, a photo was posted on [[Twitter]] of an object tentatively identified as the An-225 on fire in its hangar.<ref name="Tweet_aviationbrk_1497891622033543168">{{Cite tweet |author = Breaking Aviation News & Videos |user = aviationbrk |number = 1497891622033543168 |date = 27 February 2022 |title = Reports that the unique Antonov An-225, the largest plane in the world is on fire at Hostomel Airport. |access-date = 28 February 2022 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220227170649/https://twitter.com/aviationbrk/status/1497891622033543168 |archive-date = 27 February 2022 |df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Tweet_OSINT_Canada_1497881565715525636">{{Cite tweet |author = OSINT_Canada |number = 1497881565715525636 |date = 27 February 2022 |title = Satellite imagery matches |language = en-ca |access-date = 28 February 2022 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220227222950/https://twitter.com/canada_osint/status/1497881565715525636 |archive-date = 27 February 2022 |quote = Satellite imagery matches the paneling type of the hanger[sic], and ground level photo's[sic] match the open back and from the of[sic] hanger[sic]. I believe we can confirm the #An225 has been destroyed|df= dmy-all |user=canada_osint}}</ref> A report by the Ukrainian edition of [[Radio Liberty]] stated that the airplane was destroyed during the Battle of Antonov Airport,<ref name="radiosvoboda">{{cite news |date = 27 February 2022 |script-title = uk:У результаті російської атаки згорів найбільший в світі літак «Мрія» |trans-title = As a result of the Russian attack, the world's largest aircraft "Mriya" burned down |work = [[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]] |url = https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/news-v-rezultati-rosiyskoyi-ataky-z-horiv-naybilshyy-v-sviti-litak-mriya-/31726400.html |language = en |access-date = 28 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220228004841/https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/news-v-rezultati-rosiyskoyi-ataky-z-horiv-naybilshyy-v-sviti-litak-mriya-/31726400.html |archive-date = 28 February 2022 |url-status = live |script-quote = uk:У результаті повітряної атаки російських військ на аеропорт Гостомель під Києвом був спалений один із найбільших та найпотужніших літаків у світі українського виробництва АН-225 «Мрія». Про це Радіо Свобода повідомили два поінформованих джерела на підприємстві «Антонов» та підтвердив міський голова міста Буча.|trans-quote= As a result of an air attack by Russian troops on Gostomel Airport near Kyiv, one of the largest and most powerful Ukrainian-made AN-225 "Mriya " aircraft in the world was burned. This was reported to Radio Svoboda by two informed sources at the Antonov enterprise and confirmed by the mayor of Bucha. |df = dmy-all}}</ref> which was repeated by Foreign Minister [[Dmytro Kuleba]]<ref>{{Cite tweet |number = 1497947370008547332 |user = DmytroKuleba |title = This was the world’sworld's largest aircraft, AN-225 'Mriya' ('Dream' in Ukrainian). Russia may have destroyed our 'Mriya'. But they will never be able to destroy our dream of a strong, free and democratic European state. We shall prevail! |date = 27 February 2022 |access-date = 27 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220227175837/https://twitter.com/dmytrokuleba/status/1497947370008547332 |archive-date = 27 February 2022 |url-status = live |first1 = Dmytro |last1 = Kuleba |author-link1 = Dmytro Kuleba}}</ref> and by [[Ukroboronprom]], Antonov's parent organisation.<ref name="ukr27222">{{cite press release |date = 27 February 2022 |title = Russians destroy An-225 "Mriya", it will be restored at the expense of the occupant |language = en |publisher = [[UkrOboronProm]] |type = Press release |url = https://ukroboronprom.com.ua/en/news/rosiyani-znishhili-an-225-mriya-vona-bude-vidnovlena-za-kosti-okupanta |access-date = 1 March 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220228190717/https://ukroboronprom.com.ua/en/news/rosiyani-znishhili-an-225-mriya-vona-bude-vidnovlena-za-kosti-okupanta |archive-date = 28 February 2022 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all}}</ref> The Antonov company initially refused to confirm or deny the reports,<ref name="antonov_defers_comment_2022_02_27_av_week">{{cite magazine |author = <!--Staff writer(s), no by-line.--> |date = 27 February 2022 |title = Antonov Defers Comment After Reports Say An-225 Destroyed |url = https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/safety-ops-regulation/antonov-defers-comment-after-reports-say-225-destroyed |url-access = subscription |url-status = live |magazine = [[Aviation Week & Space Technology]] |language = en |issn = 0005-2175 |oclc = 960324865 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220228193449/https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/safety-ops-regulation/antonov-defers-comment-after-reports-say-225-destroyed |archive-date = 28 February 2022 |access-date = 1 March 2022 |quote = Ukrainian aircraft maker Antonov deferred comment after multiple officials and news outlets reported that the An-225 Mriya heavy airlifter was destroyed during fighting at an airport near Kyiv |df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="radiosvoboda"/> and said it was still investigating them.<ref name="Antonov tweet">{{Cite tweet |user = AntonovCompany |number = 1497967836337041409 |date = 27 February 2022 |title = Update on the information of #AN225 "Mriya" aircraft: Currently, until the AN-225 has been inspected by experts, we cannot report on the technical condition of the aircraft. Stay tuned for further official announcement |access-date = 27 February 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220227181812/https://twitter.com/antonovcompany/status/1497967836337041409 |archive-date = 27 February 2022 |url-status = live}}</ref>

Also on 27 February, a press release by Ukroboronprom<ref name="ukr27222" /> stated that the An-225 had been destroyed by Russian forces.<ref>{{cite web |title = AN-225 Destroyed by Russian forces at Gostomel |url = https://www.airlineratings.com/news/225-destroyed-russian-forces-gostomel/ |website = airlineratings.com |date = 27 February 2022 |access-date= 28 February 2022 |archive-date= 28 February 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220228100018/https://www.airlineratings.com/news/225-destroyed-russian-forces-gostomel/ |url-status= live }}</ref> Several other aircraft were in the same hangar as the An-225 at the time of its destruction, and were also destroyed or damaged during the battle; these include a Hungarian-registered [[Cessna 152]], which was crushed by the An-225's left wingtip after the latter fell on top of it.<ref>{{Cite web |last = Ranter |first = Harro |title = Incident Cessna 152 II HA-WAS, 27 Feb 2022 |url = https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/277155 |access-date = 8 October 2022 |website= aviation-safety.net |archive-date= 27 September 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220927141733/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/277155 |url-status= live }}</ref>

Ukroboronprom said that they planned to rebuild the plane at the Russians' expense.<ref name="ukr27222" /> The statement said: "The restoration is estimated to take over 3 billion USD and over five years. Our task is to ensure that these costs are covered by the Russian Federation, which has caused intentional damage to Ukraine's aviation and the air cargo sector."<ref>{{Cite news |first1 = Jack |last1 = Guy |date = 28 February 2022 |orig-date = 27 February 2022 |title = World's largest plane destroyed in Ukraine |url = https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/antonov-an-225-largest-plane-destroyed-ukraine-scli-intl/index.html |access-date = 28 February 2022 |work = [[CNN]] |language = en |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220227221332/https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/antonov-an-225-largest-plane-destroyed-ukraine-scli-intl/index.html |archive-date = 27 February 2022 |url-status = live |quote = The enormous aircraft, named 'Mriya,' or 'dream' in Ukrainian, was parked at an airfield near Kyiv when it was attacked by 'Russian occupants,' Ukrainian authorities said, adding that they would rebuild the plane. 'Russia may have destroyed our 'Mriya'. But they will never be able to destroy our dream of a strong, free and democratic European state. We shall prevail!' wrote Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Twitter. There has been no independent confirmation of the aircraft's destruction. A tweet from the Antonov Company said it could not verify the 'technical condition' of the aircraft until it had been inspected by experts. |df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="FreightWaves_20220227">{{Cite web |first1 = Eric |last1 = Kulisch |date = 27 February 2022 |title = The 'Dream' is dead: Air cargo wonder destroyed in Ukraine |url = https://www.freightwaves.com/news/the-dream-is-dead-air-cargo-wonder-destroyed-in-ukraine |access-date = 28 February 2022 |website = FreightWaves |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220301005533/https://www.freightwaves.com/news/the-dream-is-dead-air-cargo-wonder-destroyed-in-Ukraine |archive-date = 1 March 2022 |url-status = live |quote = A Ukrainian defense industry association said the AN-225 will be restored at Russia's expense, which it put at $3 billion. Rebuilding the plane would take five years, it said |df = dmy-all}}</ref> The Ukrainian government also said that it would be rebuilt.{{r|FreightWaves_20220227}}<ref name="Tweet_Ukraine_1497961514480902148">{{Cite tweet |author = Ukraine/Україна |number = 1497961514480902148 |date = 27 February 2022 |title = The biggest plane in the world "Mriya" (The Dream) was destroyed by Russian occupants on an airfield near Kyiv |access-date = 28 February 2022 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220228153451/https://twitter.com/ukraine/status/1497961514480902148 |archive-date = 28 February 2022 |quote = The biggest plane in the world "Mriya" (The Dream) was destroyed by Russian occupants on an airfield near Kyiv. We will rebuild the plane. We will fulfill our dream of a strong, free, and democratic Ukraine. |df = dmy-all |user=@Ukraine}}</ref>

| title = Destroyed ''Mriya''<!--centered italic text--->

| image1 = [https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/22/world/europe/ukraine-airplane-russia-war-mriya.html ''The New York Times'', April 2022]

| image2 = [https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/27/world/europe/ukraine-giant-plane-mriya.html ''The New York Times'', March 2023]

On 1 March, a new photograph, taken since the initial conflict, was tentatively identified as the tail of the aircraft protruding from its hangar, suggesting that it remained at least partly intact, however, further evidence proved to show that the aircraft is inoperable due to the extreme damage it sustained.<ref name=":0" /> On 3 March, a video circulated on social media, showing the aircraft burning inside the hangar alongside several Russian trucks, confirming its likely destruction. Nonetheless, Antonov stated again that until the aircraft is inspected by experts, its official status could not be fully known.<ref>{{Cite web |last = Díaz (diazpez) |first = Pablo |date = 3 March 2022 |title = [Video]: First images confirming the destruction of the Antonov An-225 |url = https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/03/video-primeras-imagenes-que-confirman-la-destruccion-del-antonov-an-225-2/ |access-date = 3 March 2022 |website = Aviacionline.com |language = es |archive-date= 6 March 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220306142113/https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/03/video-primeras-imagenes-que-confirman-la-destruccion-del-antonov-an-225-2/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |title = NO NO NO NO… Currently, until the #AN225 has been inspected by experts, we cannot report on the technical condition of the aircraft. Please wait for the official announcements about the condition of the aircraft #StopRussia #Ukraine |user = antonovcompany |number = 1499355838854701064 |access-date = 3 March 2022}}</ref> On 4 March, footage on Russian state television [[Channel One Russia|Channel One]] showed the first clear ground images of the destroyed aircraft, with much of the front section missing.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url = https://theaviationist.com/2022/03/04/here-are-the-first-clear-images-of-the-remains-of-the-an-225-inside-the-hangar-at-antonov-airport/ |title = Here Are The First Clear Images Of The Remains Of The An-225 Inside The Hangar At Antonov Airport |last = Cenciotti |first = David |website = The Aviationist |date = 4 March 2022 |access-date = 4 March 2022 |archive-date= 6 March 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220306024856/https://theaviationist.com/2022/03/04/here-are-the-first-clear-images-of-the-remains-of-the-an-225-inside-the-hangar-at-antonov-airport/ |url-status= live }}</ref> Following Russia's withdrawal from northern Ukraine, the second unfinished aircraft airframe was reported to be intact, despite Russian artillery strikes on the hangar housing it at the Antonov factory at [[Sviatoshyn Airfield]].<ref>{{Cite web |date = 17 April 2022 |title = Can the world's largest plane ever fly again? |url = https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/antonov-an-225-ukraine-rebuilding/index.html |publisher = CNN |access-date= 17 April 2022 |archive-date= 17 April 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220417114254/https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/antonov-an-225-ukraine-rebuilding/index.html |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/03/ukraine-russia-shells-antonov-factory-housing-second-and-never-completed-an-225/ |title = Ukraine: Russia shells Antonov factory housing second and never-completed An-225 |date = 14 March 2022 |access-date = 25 March 2022 |archive-date= 24 March 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220324153047/https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/03/ukraine-russia-shells-antonov-factory-housing-second-and-never-completed-an-225/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

Major [[Dmytro Antonov (pilot)|Dmytro Antonov]], the pilot of the An-225, alleged on 19 March 2022 that Antonov Airlines knew that an invasion was imminent for quite some time, but did nothing to prevent the loss of the aircraft. On his [[YouTube]] channel, Antonov accused company management of not doing enough to prevent the destruction of the aircraft, after having been advised by NATO to move the aircraft (ready to fly status) to [[Leipzig]], Germany, in advance.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/03/an-225-pilot-blamed-antonov-management-for-the-destruction-of-the-worlds-largest-airliner-and-was-threatened/ |title = An-225 pilot blamed Antonov management for the destruction of the world's largest airliner and was threatened |website = aviacionline.com |date = 19 March 2022 |access-date = 25 March 2022 |archive-date= 24 March 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220324155147/https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/03/an-225-pilot-blamed-antonov-management-for-the-destruction-of-the-worlds-largest-airliner-and-was-threatened/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://mentourpilot.com/an-225-pilot-airline-could-have-evacuated-the-aircraft/ |title = An-225 Pilot: Airline Could Have Saved The Aircraft! |website = mentourpilot.com |date = 20 March 2022 |access-date = 25 March 2022}}</ref> Multiple|archive-date= Antonov25 staffMarch have denied his allegations.<ref>{{cite web2022 |archive-url = https://simpleflyingweb.archive.org/web/20220325054328/https://mentourpilot.com/antonovan-employees225-appealpilot-anairline-225could-destructionhave-evacuated-the-aircraft/ |title url-status= Antonovlive Company}}</ref> EmployeesMultiple HitAntonov Backstaff Athave Pilot'sdenied Accusationshis Over An-225 Destruction |publisher = simpleflyingallegations.com {{cn|date =April 23 March 2022 |access-date = 25 March 20222024}}</ref>

On 1 April, drone footage of Hostomel Airport showed the destroyed Mriya, with the forward fuselage completely burned and destroyed, but with the wings partly intact.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://theaviationist.com/2022/04/01/drone-footage-hostomel/ |title = Dreadful Drone Footage Shows What Remains Of Hostomel Airport And The An-225 After Russian Forces Left |first = David |last = Cenciotti |date = 31 March 2022 |access-date= 1 April 2022 |archive-date= 1 April 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220401085223/https://theaviationist.com/2022/04/01/drone-footage-hostomel/ |url-status= live }}</ref> It was later revealed that the right wing had been broken, but was held up only by its engines resting on the ground.<ref name="NYT March 2023">{{Cite news |last=Kramer |first=Andrew E. |date=2023-03-27 |title=Restoring a Giant Plane: Ukrainian Resilience or Folly? |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/27/world/europe/ukraine-giant-plane-mriya.html |access-date=2023-03-28 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330102636/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/27/world/europe/ukraine-giant-plane-mriya.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Investigations into rebuilding the An-225 are being undertaken, including the possibilities of cannibalising the second, incomplete An-225, or salvaging the remnants of the first plane to finish the second. However, there are several obstacles to rebuilding. Many of the aircraft's Soviet-made components were from the 1980s and are no longer made. Engineers quote a price of US$350–500 million, although there is uncertainty regarding whether or not it would be commercially viable and worth the cost.<ref name="Prisco">{{Cite web |url = https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/antonov-an-225-ukraine-rebuilding/index.html |title = Can the world's largest plane ever fly again? |first = Jacopo |last = Prisco |publisher = CNN |date= 17 April 2022 |access-date= 17 April 2022 |archive-date= 17 April 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220417114254/https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/antonov-an-225-ukraine-rebuilding/index.html |url-status= live }}</ref> However, Andrii Sovenko, a former An-225 pilot and aviation author, said:<ref name="Prisco" />

On 20 May 2022, Ukrainian president [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] announced his intentions to complete the second An-225, to replace the destroyed aircraft and as a tribute to all the Ukrainian pilots killed during the war.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://simpleflying.com/zelensky-an-225-mriya-rebuild/ |title = Zelensky Pledges $800 Million An-225 Mriya Rebuild To Honor Ukrainian Pilots |first = Charlotte |last = Seet cn|date =April 22 May 2022 |website = Simple Flying2024}}</ref> In November 2022, Antonov confirmed plans to rebuild the aircraft at an estimated cost of $500 million.<ref>{{cite news |publisher = CNN |via = MSN |title = AN-225: Plans to rebuild world's largest plane confirmed |first = Julia |last = Buckley |date = 9 November 2022 |url= https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/an-225-plans-to-rebuild-world-s-largest-plane-confirmed/ar-AA13Uvhx |access-date= 9 November 2022 |archive-date= 9 November 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221109185927/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/an-225-plans-to-rebuild-world-s-largest-plane-confirmed/ar-AA13Uvhx |url-status= live }}</ref> At the time, the company did not state whether parts from the wrecked aircraft and the incomplete airframe would be combined to create a new flying aircraft or where funding might come from.<ref name="Niles09Nov22">{{cite web |url = https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/500-million-to-rebuild-an-225/ |title = $500 Million To Rebuild An-225 |access-date = 10 November 2022 |last = Niles |first = Russ |work = AVweb |date = 9 November 2022 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20221110132822/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/500-million-to-rebuild-an-225/ |archive-date = 10 November 2022 |url-status = live}}</ref> Four months later, Antonov confirmed that parts had been removed from the wrecked aircraft for future mating to the unfinished fuselage.<ref name="NYT March 2023"/>

In March 2023, the Ukrainian government announced that it detained two of three Antonov officials suspected of preventing the [[National Guard of Ukraine|Ukrainian National Guard]] from setting up defenses at Hostomel Airport in anticipation of an invasion.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Olena |last=Harmash |date=2023-03-10 |title=Ukraine detains officials over destruction of famous plane at start of war |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-detains-officials-over-destruction-famous-plane-start-war-2023-03-10/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |archive-date=28 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328050926/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-detains-officials-over-destruction-famous-plane-start-war-2023-03-10/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

:Original proposal with a rear cargo door. Not built.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |title = Antonov An-225 Mriya Super Heavy Transport Aircraft - Aerospace Technology |url = https://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/an225hta/ |access-date = 1 May 2022 |website= www.aerospace-technology.com |archive-date= 11 April 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220411020700/https://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/an225hta/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite web |title= Antonov 225 Mriya Description |url= https://www.buran-energia.com/mriya-antonov/mriya-desc.php |access-date= 1 May 2022 |website= buran-energia.com |archive-date= 2 March 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220302012012/https://www.buran-energia.com/mriya-antonov/mriya-desc.php |url-status= live }}</ref>

:Proposed enlarged, eight-engined aircraft, specifically designed to launch spacecraft of various purposes into orbit. Initially designed for the [[MAKS (spacecraft)|MAKS program]], the An-325 eventually evolved to a joint cooperation between [[British Aerospace]] and the [[Ministry of Aviation Industry (Soviet Union)|Soviet Ministry of Aviation Industry]] as a part of the [[British Aerospace HOTOL#Successors|Interim HOTOL]] program.<ref name=":43">{{Cite book |last = Parkinson |first = R. |chapter = The An-225/Interim Hotol launch vehicle |date = 17 August 1991 |title = 3rd International Aerospace Planes Conference |chapter-url = http://dx.doi.org/10.2514/6.1991-5006 |location = Reston, Virigina |publisher = American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics |doi= 10.2514/6.1991-5006 |access-date= 20 November 2022 |archive-date= 12 March 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240312001810/https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/10.2514/6.1991-5006 |url-status= live }}</ref> It remains unbuilt.{{Sfn|van Pelt|2017|p=77}}

:Intended to carry the [[Tupolev OOS]] [[air-launch-to-orbit]] spaceplane; a [[twin-fuselage aircraft|twin-fuselage]] design consisting of two An-225 fuselages, with the OOS to be carried under the raised center wing. Multiple engine configurations were proposed, ranging from 18 Progress D-18T turbofans to as many as 40 engines, with placements both above and below the wings.<ref name=":4">{{cite web |title = The weird and short story of twin-fuselage An-225 Mriya |url = https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/27240-The-weird-and-short-story-of-twin-fuselage-An-225-Mriya |access-date = 28 February 2022 |website = www.aerotime.aero |date = 15 February 2021 |language = en |archive-date= 28 February 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220228163321/https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/27240-The-weird-and-short-story-of-twin-fuselage-An-225-Mriya |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date = 18 December 2011 |title = OOS, el sistema espacial de lanzamiento aéreo definitive |url = https://danielmarin.naukas.com/2011/12/18/oos-el-sistema-espacial-de-lanzamiento-aereo-definitivo/ |access-date = 28 February 2022 |website = Eureka |language = es |archive-date= 28 February 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220228161811/https://danielmarin.naukas.com/2011/12/18/oos-el-sistema-espacial-de-lanzamiento-aereo-definitivo/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date = 7 August 2013 |title = OOS, la bestia de Tupolev y Antonov - Ciencia y educación |url = https://www.taringa.net/+ciencia_educacion/oos-la-bestia-de-tupolev-y-antonov_vsdk1 |access-date = 28 February 2022 |website = Taringa! |language = es |archive-date= 28 February 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220228161725/https://www.taringa.net/+ciencia_educacion/oos-la-bestia-de-tupolev-y-antonov_vsdk1 |url-status= live }}</ref> An alternative design for the AKS was to use entirely new fuselages, each with a single tail.<ref name=":4" /> The AKS was deemed unfeasible, and no prototypes were ever built.<ref name=":4" />

* {{cite magazine |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=7dIDAAAAMBAJ&dq=Antonov+An-225+Mriya&pg=PA34 |title = World's biggest plane |publisher = Hearst Magazines |magazine = [[Popular Mechanics]] |first = Paul |last = Eisenstein |date = January 2003 |volume = 180 |number = 1 |issn = 0032-4558}}

* {{cite magazine |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=5eMDAAAAMBAJ&dq=Antonov+An-225+Mriya&pg=RA1-PA58 |title = Heavy Lifters |publisher = Hearst Magazines |magazine = [[Popular Mechanics]] |first = John |last = Fricker |date = February 1990 |volume = 167 |number = 2 |issn = 0032-4558}}

* {{cite book |last1 = Gordon |first1 = Yefim |author1-link = Yefim Gordon |last2 = Komissarov |first2 = Dmitriy |first3 = Sergey |last3 = Komissarov |chapter = The Six-Engined Dream |title = Antonov's Heavy Transports: Big Lifters for War & Peace |volume = 18 |series = Red Star |publisher = Midland |date = 3 September 2004 |isbn = 978-18578018281-85780-182-8 |oclc = 173497301 |ol = OL9001238M |df = dmy-all}}

* {{cite book |editor-last1=Jackson |editor-first1=Paul |date=1 October 1995 |url=https://archive.org/details/janesallworldsai0000unse_q8n0/page/443 |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 1995-96 |edition=86th |pages=443–445 |publisher=[[Janes Information Services|Janes Information Group]] |isbn=978-07106126250-7106-1262-5 |issn=0075-3017 |lccn=sn89029177 |oclc=712741184 |ol=OL11240837M |url-access=registration |df=dmy-all}}

* {{cite book |last1 = van Pelt |first1 = Michael |title = Dream Missions: Space Colonies, Nuclear Spacecraft and Other Possibilities |date = 24 May 2017 |publisher = Springer International Publishing |location = New York, US |isbn = 9783319539416978-3-319-53941-6}}