The Antonov An-12 'Cub', developed from the earlier An-10 airliner, was actually produced simultaneously to its civilian version beginning in the early 1960's. The An-12 is sometimes referred to as the Soviet Hercules and as such is characterized by the same high-wing, four-engine configuration as its US counterpart; the the rear fuselage also incorporates two large longitudinal doors that hinge upwards, thus allowing direct loading of cargo. Besides its main role as a cargo transport where it has seen action over Afghanistan, the An-12 was also adapted as an electronic intelligence and ECM platform thanks to its long range in addition to an airborne control and command post. An-12s served as both civil and military transports with the V-TA, Aeroflot as well as the air forces of various nations including China (known as the Harbin Y-8 which is described in a separate entry), India (which uses it for regular flights over the Himalayas), Yemen, Egypt, Ethiopia and various Warsaw Pact members where they are still used extensively up to today.

First flown in March 1957 in prototype form, the An-12 was designated as the An-12BP 'Cub-A' in V-TA service, it remains the principal transport variant in service. An electronic intelligence gathering platform was later developed and is known as the An-12 'Cub-B', these secretive aircraft were seen on occasion over the Baltic and along western coasts and were suspected to be involved in RINT (radiation intelligence). It's other major role is as an ECM aircraft, these were known as the An-12 'Cub-C' with a large ogival tailcone in place of the tail turret as well as the the An-12 'Cub-D' with two large blister fairings between the nose and landing gear, this variant had highly complex jamming equipment.