Indian carriers are considering a major expansion of their fleets with Russian aircraft, expressing demand for up to 200 units of the Il-114-300 and SJ-100 models, according to Vadim Badekha, head of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). This potential deal follows recent agreements paving the way for localized production of key aircraft in India.
The interest surfaced during the Wings India event, where the SJ-100 and Il-114-300 were prominently displayed. Badekha highlighted India’s position as the first serious customer for these aircraft, signaling a strategic move to boost regional connectivity and meet rising passenger volumes within the country.
In a historic development, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and UAC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to manufacture the Sukhoi SJ-100 civil commuter planes domestically. This agreement, finalized in Moscow, could mark India’s first production of a complete passenger aircraft, a milestone not seen since HAL produced the AVRO HS748 between 1961 and 1988 under license.
The SJ-100 is a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft currently operated by over 16 commercial airlines worldwide, with more than 200 units produced to date. HAL’s statement emphasized the aircraft’s potential to transform short-haul networks across India under the government's UDAN regional connectivity scheme. The MoU grants HAL manufacturing rights for SJ-100 aircraft serving domestic customers, reinforcing the longstanding collaboration between UAC and HAL.
Badekha also noted that production of the Superjet aircraft in India could commence within three years, with an anticipated output ranging between 20 and 40 units annually. He projected the total demand across India and surrounding markets to be as high as 200 to 300 aircraft, signifying substantial growth potential.
The broader Indian civil aviation sector faces a projected need for approximately 2,200 new commercial aircraft over the coming decade to address fleet expansion and replacement driven by increased passenger traffic. The introduction of Russian regional jets aims to complement this growth by enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and meeting connectivity goals.