Russia is moving toward another important step in the localization of its import-substituted Superjet program, with the assembly of PD-8 engines potentially being established in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
Gov. Dmitry Demeshin of Khabarovsk Krai brought up the matter during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Demeshin stated that the region is presently addressing the issue of locally assembling PD-8 engines, arguing that this would enable Komsomolsk-on-Amur to achieve complete localization of aircraft production.
The statement is significant due to the fact that the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant, which is operated by Yakovlev, is the main production site for the Russianized Superjet, which is now known as the SJ-100. United Engine Corporation’s UEC-Saturn facility in Rybinsk is presently producing the PD-8 engines for the aircraft, which is currently being assembled in the Far East.
Moving the engine assembly closer to the aircraft production line could therefore eliminate an important logistical and industrial dependency in the Superjet production chain.
PD-8 Has Now Entered Serial Production
The timing of Demeshin’s announcement is particularly important. Serial production is now underway for the PD-8 program, which has progressed beyond development and certification.
UEC declared in June 2026 that it had initiated the production of the first serial PD-8 engines. As part of the effort to modernize and expedite production, approximately 100 pieces of industrial equipment were installed. The initial engines were scheduled for delivery to the aircraft manufacturer in the months ahead.
The engine subsequently obtained its Russian type certificate, marking the end of a significant phase of the program. The initial two serial PD-8 engines were delivered by UEC in August for installation on Superjets.
This is a significant change for the SJ-100 program. The aircraft can now transition to a fully Russian powerplant, rather than relying on the Franco-Russian SaM146 that was employed by previous Superjets.
UEC-Saturn developed the PD-8, a turbofan with a thrust of approximately eight tons. It was developed using various novel technologies, and it was subjected to thousands of hours of testing on test stands, flying laboratories, and aircraft.
But Engines Could Determine How Fast Komsomolsk Can Build Aircraft
The next challenge is no longer simply whether Russia can build the PD-8. It is how many engines can be produced each year.
Every Superjet requires two PD-8 powerplants. Therefore, the maximum number of aircraft that can be delivered from Komsomolsk is directly determined by the engine’s production rate, unless new engine supplies are obtained.
The planned production capacity of UEC was previously estimated to be approximately 30 PD-8 engines per year. At a rate of two engines per aircraft, this would equate to approximately 15 Superjets being produced annually.
This figure is especially significant when contrasting with the aspirations of the Komsomolsk aircraft plant. The plant is capable of producing a significantly higher number of Superjets because of its technological capabilities, and it has been proposed to increase its annual production rates.
Consequently, increasing aircraft production would require a corresponding expansion of PD-8 manufacturing.
The Be-200 Adds Another Demand for the Same Engine
The PD-8 production equation is complicated further by another aircraft: the Beriev Be-200 amphibious aircraft.
The engine is not being developed exclusively for the Superjet. The PD-8 is also designed for the Be-200, thereby introducing a second significant application for the powerplant.
This implies that the future engine output must be sufficient to sustain two distinct aircraft programs.
The PD-8 provides a Russian-produced alternative for the Be-200, an aircraft that has historically faced substantial engine-supply constraints. A domestic engine supply is strategically pertinent due to the amphibious aircraft’s critical role in firefighting, emergency response, and other specialized missions.
The demand for PD-8s could increase significantly beyond the initial production plans if Superjet production expands concurrently with the requirement for engines in Be-200 production.
From 30 Engines to Potentially 72–80
As a result, industry discussions have indicated that a significantly higher PD-8 production rate is necessary for Komsomolsk to construct a significant number of aircraft.
The industry has identified a potential requirement of approximately 72–80 engines per year to support increased Superjet production and satisfy the demand from the Be-200 program.
If the entire production were designated to passenger aircraft, two engines per aircraft would theoretically correspond to 36 Superjets. The equivalent of 80 engines would be 40 Superjets.
In reality, however, the entire output cannot necessarily be assigned to Superjets because Be-200 aircraft would also consume PD-8 engines. Consequently, the excat composition of the aircraft production blend will be contingent upon the distribution of engine deliveries among the programs.
This makes PD-8 manufacturing capacity one of the most important industrial variables for the next phase of Russia’s civil aviation production program.
A Production Chain Is Being Built Around Komsomolsk
Demeshin’s comments also point to a broader industrial strategy in Khabarovsk Krai.
The region has been developing local suppliers in the vicinity of large industrial enterprises, such as Yakovlev’s Komsomolsk aircraft plant. Wiring harnesses, cable networks, cutting tools, doors, and hatches, as well as the provision of machining services to major industrial enterprises, are currently being produced by regional companies.
By incorporating PD-8 assembly, the localization endeavor would be furthered, thereby incorporating another significant component of the aircraft manufacturing chain into the single industrial ecosystem.
Consequently, the immediate goal is not just to build an additional Russian engine. A more self-contained production system is intended to be established by connecting the engine, airframe, components, and final assembly.
For the SJ-100, the next decisive question is consequently one of scale. The PD-8 has been certified by Russia, and serial assembly has commenced.