Russia’s UAC eyes 105 aircraft a year in India as IL-114-300, SJ-100 deals near

Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) is moving closer to agreements that could bring its IL-114-300 turboprop and SJ-100 regional passenger jet to India, as Moscow seeks a bigger role in the country’s rapidly expanding civil aviation market. The aircraft manufacturer is using the first Innoprom India industrial exhibition in New Delhi to advance negotiations with Indian companies, including plans for local manufacturing and maintenance.

UAC chief executive Vadim Badekha said negotiations on the IL-114-300 had made significant progress over the past six months and that several agreements were expected to be signed during Innoprom India, being held at Bharat Mandapam from September 9 to 11. Russia is showcasing the IL-114-300, SJ-100 and the larger MC-21 at the exhibition, positioning the aircraft for different segments of India’s growing domestic aviation network.

SJ-100 production plan advances

A key element of UAC’s India strategy is the proposed licensed manufacture of the SJ-100 by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The two companies signed a cooperation agreement in January after an MoU in Moscow in October 2025. More than 80 per cent of the licensing agreement has now been finalised, according to UAC, with the company expecting it to be signed in the near future.

Under the proposed arrangement, HAL would manufacture and sell the SJ-100 in India and produce assemblies, components and parts required for maintenance and repair, while UAC would assist in establishing and upgrading production facilities. UAC has indicated that Indian production could begin in about three years, with output eventually reaching 20 to 40 aircraft annually.

The SJ-100 is a short-range narrow-body aircraft capable of carrying up to 103 passengers. The latest version uses Russia’s PD-8 engines and domestically manufactured avionics, landing gear and other systems. UAC expects to secure a contract with the first Indian operator for the aircraft at Aero India 2027.

IL-114-300 pitched for smaller cities

Russia is simultaneously pushing the IL-114-300 as an aircraft suited to India’s regional connectivity programme. The turboprop is designed to operate from smaller airports, including airfields with limited infrastructure and relatively short runways, potentially making it suitable for routes connecting underserved cities under the government’s UDAN programme.

UAC has already held discussions with Indian operators and earlier reached a preliminary agreement with Hyderabad-based Flamingo Aerospace for six IL-114-300 aircraft. The Russian manufacturer has also indicated that localisation of IL-114-300 production in India could eventually be explored, with potential annual production of 30 to 40 aircraft.

Russian Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov said on Thursday that Moscow saw significant prospects for cooperation with India on both the SJ-100 and IL-114-300. He said such projects could open a new phase of industrial cooperation focused on technology, transport security and connectivity.

Russia eyes wider aviation partnership

UAC is also showcasing the MC-21, a larger medium-range passenger aircraft intended for higher-demand domestic routes. Alongside aircraft manufacturing, Russian companies are exploring opportunities for local maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities and even joint production of aircraft engines in India.

The push comes as India plans a major expansion of regional aviation infrastructure, including the development of airports from currently unserved airstrips. For Russia, local production rather than straightforward aircraft exports could provide a route into one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets while aligning its proposals with India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat programmes.