India has the potential to become an important international center for the production of regional passenger aircraft in the rapidly changing civil aviation landscape. Licensed production of the Superjet 100 (SJ-100) aircraft in India may start in approximately three years, between 2028 and 2029, according to Vadim Badekha, CEO of PJSC United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of Rostec. At the NAIS-2026 aviation forum, he disclosed this timeline to journalists.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), an Indian state-owned aerospace company, is collaborating with UAC to develop the project. The two parties have already executed an agreement that governs their collaboration in the organization of production, the transmission of technologies, and the investigation of the localization of aircraft components within India.
The SJ-100’s production in India is perceived as more than just a technical venture; it is a strategic expansion of the aeronautical relationship between Russia and India. This initiative has the potential to become one of the most noteworthy instances of deepening partnership in the commercial passenger aircraft sector, given the lengthy history of cooperation between the two countries in both civil and defense aviation.
Why India?
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The nation is characterized by a vast population, a middle class that is swiftly expanding, and a government policy that is actively aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity. In recent years, Indian airlines have considerably increased the frequency of their flights, while government initiatives have sought to reduce the cost of air travel and expand routes to remote regions.
Regional aircraft, such as the SJ-100, are particularly appealing due to their capacity to efficiently transport approximately 90 to 110 passengers over short and medium distances, which is a result of the robust domestic development.
Licensed aircraft production is also in direct alignment with India’s national “Make in India” initiative, which aims to reduce reliance on imports and promote domestic manufacturing. The aviation industry in India would be fortified and high-value employment opportunities would be generated by the establishment of assembly lines, the training of competent personnel, and the development of maintenance infrastructure.
Additionally, India has been actively enhancing its aerospace capabilities. For decades, HAL has been engaged in the aviation industry, where it has been responsible for the production of military aircraft, including the Tejas fighter jet, as well as the maintenance and overhaul of numerous platforms. A historic milestone for the Indian aerospace industry would be the transition to commercial passenger aircraft manufacturing.
What is the Superjet 100?
Originally developed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft, the Superjet 100 is a Russian regional passenger aircraft that is now known as the SJ-100. The program was redesigned to optimize import substitution in response to Western sanctions. The aircraft is powered by Russian-built PD-8 engines, and many foreign components were replaced with domestic alternatives.
The SJ-100 is a single-aisle narrow-body aircraft that can accommodate 87–108 passengers. It is optimized for efficient operation on domestic and regional routes and boasts a contemporary aerodynamic design.
The updated version is currently in the process of being certified in Russia. The final certification of the aircraft and the PD-8 engine has not yet been completed, and industry observers are continuing to monitor the timeline, despite the fact that the first flight of the wholly Russian-powered SJ-100 occurred in 2025.
After exhibiting an updated cabin and a greater degree of localization at the Wings India 2026 exhibition in Hyderabad, the program garnered further momentum, indicating its readiness for a more extensive international promotion.
The Fundamentals of the UAC–HAL Agreement
The ratification of a cooperation agreement between UAC and HAL for the joint production of the SJ-100 in India was a critical milestone in the project. The agreement establishes the groundwork for a long-term initiative that may involve the exchange of technological expertise, local certification, and licensed manufacturing, as per industry reports.
HAL is expected to acquire the rights to manufacture, market, and service the SJ-100 in the Indian market as part of the agreement. UAC will subsequently provide consulting support, train engineers and technicians, and assist in the establishment of the production base in order to prepare for serial manufacturing.
The project will involve the reorganization of supply chains for components, the reconfiguration of production lines, and the potential deployment of Russian specialists to assist in workforce training. It is also expected that HAL will contribute to the aircraft’s certification within India, which will allow it to operate on domestic routes in accordance with national aviation safety approvals.
The aircraft’s entry into commercial service could be considerably expedited by the implementation of such measures once serial production commences.
Market Potential and Production Volumes
Vadim Badekha underscored that India’s annual aircraft production could exceed 20 to 40 aircraft once serial production commences. This volume is deemed to be in accordance with the realistic demand for aircraft in this category in India and neighboring regions.
The potential market for such aircraft in India and neighboring countries is estimated by UAC to be between 200 and 300 aircraft over the next seven to ten years. This projection is influenced by the increasing demand for smaller, more cost-effective aircraft, the expansion of regional flight networks, and the increasing passenger traffic in Asia.
Badekha also underscored the significance of stable and balanced demand for the program’s long-term success. Consistent growth is more beneficial than sudden spikes that are followed by declines, as it promotes market stability and production efficiency.
He emphasized that the manufacturing capacity for UAC’s aircraft inventory has already been established. The speed at which the market generates sufficient orders is now the limiting factor, rather than industrial capability.
Opportunities for the Localization of the Il-114
In addition to the Superjet 100, UAC is investigating the potential of localizing the Il-114-300 turboprop, another Russian aircraft, in India.
The Il-114-300 is specifically engineered for regional operations, with a particular emphasis on shorter routes and regions with less developed airport infrastructure. These attributes render it particularly pertinent for remote regions of India and neighboring countries.
The aircraft has already obtained preliminary supply contracts, and its potential annual production rate could reach 30 to 40 units, contingent upon market conditions, according to UAC.
A preliminary agreement has been reportedly signed with the Indian company Flamingo Aerospace for the supply of multiple aircraft, while discussions regarding deeper localization are ongoing. India has the potential to become a production center for a complete family of Russian regional airplanes, potentially serving export markets, rather than just one aircraft type, if this is realized.
Obstacles and Limitations
The SJ-100 production initiative is confronted with many challenges, despite the optimistic projections.
The decision of certification for both the aircraft and the PD-8 engine in Russia is one of the main obstacles. This phase is crucial for the facilitation of international deliveries and the implementation of full-scale production.
The initiative will also face competition from other global manufacturers who are attempting to establish a presence in the rapidly expanding aviation sector of India. The objective of partnerships that involve companies such as Brazil’s Embraer is to establish manufacturing facilities for contemporary regional aircraft, such as the E-175 and E-190-E2, which have already established robust operational histories on a global scale.
Furthermore, the program’s success will be contingent upon the efficacy with which stakeholders prioritize infrastructure planning, personnel training, and the integration of global supply chains into India’s industrial ecosystem.
In conclusion,
A high-potential initiative that has the potential to revolutionize regional aviation not only within India but also across broader international markets is the scheduled production of the Superjet 100 (SJ-100) in India. Within a framework of strategic and economic cooperation, it combines the expanding manufacturing capabilities of India and the aerospace expertise of Russia.
India has the potential to become a significant hub for the production of modern regional aircraft if the project is completed according to the established timeline. This would result in the development of a more robust aviation infrastructure, the creation of qualified employment, and the reinforcement of technological partnerships.
Nevertheless, the project’s ultimate success will be contingent upon the surmounting of technical, economic, and organizational obstacles, such as workforce development, certification, and the establishment of an enduring market demand.
The SJ-100 program has the potential to initiate a new era in global aviation manufacturing, one that is characterized by the emergence of new production sites outside traditional aerospace centers and a greater degree of international collaboration, should these factors align.