KIEV, Dec. 23 - NATO has extended the lease of Ukrainian and Russian Antonov An-124-100 Ruslan heavy transportation aircraft with a weight-lift capacity of 120 tons under NATO's Strategic Airlift Interim Solution (SALIS) program in the interests of 18 NATO and EU countries.

Kostiantyn Lushakov, the executive director of the Ukrainian operator of Ruslans, Antonov Airlines, told Interfax that the contract concluded in 2005 between NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA) and the Ruslan SALIS company was extended for two more years in Luxembourg.