Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) is seeking to expand its role in the country’s light aviation sector by offering production capacity, engineering support and certification expertise to aircraft developers looking to move new designs into serial manufacture.
Chief executive Vadim Badekha said the company is prepared to make manufacturing facilities built under state-backed aircraft programmes available for light aircraft production, arguing that the investment required to industrialise new designs makes shared manufacturing infrastructure a more viable approach for the sector.
The initiative would see UAC act as an industrial partner rather than an aircraft developer, providing production capability and integrating manufacturing activities for third-party programmes. The proposal is intended to make use of existing aerospace infrastructure established for larger commercial and military aircraft programmes.
The move reflects a broader effort by Russia’s aerospace industry to accelerate domestic light aircraft development as manufacturers seek to replace imported aircraft and equipment. While several indigenous designs are progressing through development and certification, limited production capacity and the cost of establishing dedicated manufacturing lines remain significant barriers to large-scale output.
The concept builds on recommendations adopted in late 2025 by an expert council advising the Russian State Duma’s Committee on Industry and Trade, which called for closer involvement of UAC in the light aircraft sector. The recommendations included greater use of the corporation’s engineering capabilities, digital design environment, test facilities and certification expertise to support smaller manufacturers.
The working group also advocated wider adoption of technologies and standardised components derived from Russia’s import-substitution programmes for larger aircraft, with the aim of reducing development costs and simplifying certification for future light aircraft projects.
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