It would appear the venerable An-2 Colt biplane, which has served Russian and various other east European militaries since 1947, will outlive its planned replacement. Various sources are reporting Russia will cancel the modest development of a nine-seat utility airplane, the LMS-901 Baikal, in favor of replacing the radial engine on the AN-2 with a 60-year-old Russian turboprop, the TVD-10B. Ballooning costs have pushed the selling price of the modern-looking Baikal (it is a tail dragger, though) over $5 million, more than double its first estimate. That's not the whole story, however.
Yes, looks like copy of Cessna Caravan but a logical configuration, deHavilland Otter similar, Twin Otter larger.
High wing for ease of access and loading/unloading.
(Turbine conversions of the single Otter are common, giving it needed power - look to Harbour Air and Kenmore Air as big successful operators.
Airtech Canada re-engined Otters with a Polish radial of more horsepower, but success was hampered by unreliability of the first Polish engine it chose.
Looks like “Anhedral” on those outboard potions of wing, weird tips also, plus that wing must blank out a lot vertical tail for the size they made it…I think I see the aerodynamic cleanup it needs.
For low speeds, rough or makeshift fields, repairability, modest cost and load carrying I’d guess it’s hard to beat the AN2. I know it has a short service life of 79 years but you can’t have everything.