This article is based on an official press release from United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and announcements by Rostec.

Russia Debuts “Import-Substituted” Civil Aircraft at Wings India 2026

For the first time since the imposition of sweeping Western sanctions on its aviation sector, Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of the state corporation Rostec, is showcasing its fully “import-substituted” civil aircraft on international soil. The debut is currently taking place at the Wings India 2026 exhibition in Hyderabad, marking a significant pivot in Russia’s strategy to market its revitalized domestic aviation industry to strategic partners.

According to the official press release from UAC, the showcase features two primary aircraft: the regional jet SJ-100 (formerly the Superjet 100) and the regional turboprop Il-114-300. Both airframes have been heavily modified to operate without Western components, signaling Russia’s intent to move from domestic testing to potential export markets.

The event, held at Begumpet Airport from January 28 through January 31, 2026, serves as a platform for UAC to demonstrate the capabilities of its restructured supply chain. Rostec officials emphasized that the display is specifically targeted at the Indian market, aligning with local regional connectivity initiatives.

The “Russified” SJ-100 Regional Jet

The centerpiece of the static display is the SJ-100, a localized version of the Superjet that previously relied on French-Russian SaM146 engines and various Western Avionics. The aircraft on display in Hyderabad is a production-standard model (Serial No. 97004), which UAC confirms completed its Maiden-Flight in this configuration in September 2025.

Technical Independence

In its official statement, UAC detailed the extent of the “import substitution” program. The updated SJ-100 is powered by domestic PD-8 high-bypass turbofan engines, replacing the previous international joint venture powerplants. Furthermore, approximately 40 foreign systems have been replaced with Russian equivalents. These substitutions cover critical areas including:

• Avionics and flight control systems
• Landing gear assemblies
• Power supply and air conditioning systems
• A completely redesigned, Russian-made passenger cabin

Strategic Livery

To underscore the diplomatic nature of the visit, the SJ-100 is presented in a special livery incorporating elements of the Indian national flag. UAC representatives stated that this visual choice symbolizes the program’s readiness for adaptation to the Indian market.

“The choice of a special livery for the SJ-100 featuring the Indian flag is not only a visual statement but also signals the program’s readiness for adaptation to the Indian market.”

, UAC/Rostec Official Statement

The Il-114-300: Targeting Regional Connectivity

While the SJ-100 remains on static display, the Ilyushin Il-114-300 is participating in the exhibition’s flight program. This regional turboprop is designed to carry 68 passengers over a range of approximately 1,400 kilometers. Powered by Russian-made TV7-117ST-01 engines, the aircraft is positioned as a rugged solution for short routes.

According to Rostec, the Il-114-300 is engineered to operate from short runways and unpaved airfields with weak ground infrastructure. This capability is intended to replace aging Soviet-era Antonov An-24 fleets and compete with Western turboprops such as the ATR-72 and the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400.

Strategic Context: The Indian Market

The timing of this debut aligns with India‘s rapid aviation growth and its UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) regional connectivity scheme, which subsidizes flights to underserved Airports. UAC is positioning both aircraft as cost-effective alternatives to Western fleets, specifically tailored for India’s expanding regional network.

Rostec officials highlighted the synergy between the aircraft capabilities and India’s infrastructure needs:

“India is one of Russia’s strategic partners… Our combat aircraft are traditionally in demand, but our civil aviation industry also has great potential. The country has a UDAN program… which aims to make air transportation more accessible… This creates the prerequisites for the commercial success of the SJ-100 and Il-114-300 on the local market.”

, Rostec Official Statement

Industry reports summarized in the briefing suggest that discussions are underway with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) regarding potential localization or assembly of these aircraft in India, leveraging the “Make in India” initiative.

AirPro News Analysis

The presence of the SJ-100 and Il-114-300 in Hyderabad represents more than a sales pitch; it is a geopolitical statement. By physically displaying these aircraft abroad, UAC is attempting to prove that its civil aviation sector has survived the severance of Western supply chains.

However, significant hurdles remain. While the “import substitution” program has produced flying hardware, the long-term reliability and maintenance logistics of the new PD-8 engines and Russian avionics remain unproven in high-utilization commercial environments. Furthermore, while India has maintained strong defense ties with Russia, its civil aviation market is currently dominated by Airbus and Boeing. Convincing Indian carriers to adopt a mixed fleet with a sanctioned supply chain will likely require substantial government-to-government incentives or localization deals that go beyond standard commercial terms.

Sources:
United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Press Release