RuAviation

United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) will present its regional aircraft, the SJ-100 and Il-114-300, at Wings India 2026, taking place in Hyderabad from January 28 to 31. This event marks the first international demonstration of Russian import-substituted civil aircraft.

The SJ-100 (factory serial number 97004, registration 97024) will be displayed on the static line. This is the first aircraft built using serial production technology in its intended configuration. It features a special livery incorporating elements of the Indian national flag. The aircraft completed its maiden flight on September 5, 2025.

The Il-114-300 (registration 54115) will participate in the exhibition’s flight program. Demonstrations will showcase its takeoff and landing performance and the operation of the TV7-117ST-01 powerplant under real-world conditions.

Both aircraft are production models equipped with full passenger cabins. UAC confirmed that no mock-ups or prototype configurations will be used for the demonstrations.

In Russia, the Indian market is considered in the context of government programs such as UDAN and Make in India. The ongoing expansion of regional airports and subsidized air transport schemes is driving demand for regional-class aircraft with minimal ground infrastructure requirements. In this context, on October 28, 2025, a memorandum of intent was signed in Moscow for the localized assembly of the SJ-100 at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facilities.

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. This is particularly significant given the active promotion of Embraer’s E-Jets in India, including potential local production options.

UAC and JSC “Yakolev” emphasize the SJ-100’s high degree of import substitution, the absence of third-country export restrictions, and the aircraft’s potential integration into national production chains under the Make in India framework, including assembly, maintenance, and personnel training.

A logical next step for the SJ-100 could be a limited trial operation with an Indian carrier. Such a program would validate its operational performance in tropical monsoon conditions, within India’s regional airport network and route profiles. For the UDAN initiative, this trial would provide data on operational economics, aircraft reliability, and maintenance requirements before decisions on serial deliveries or local production are made.

The prospects for the SJ-100 and Il-114-300 in India depend on the completion of certification procedures, verification of declared operational performance, and agreement on localization parameters. Post-sales support, spare parts availability, and training of flight and technical personnel are critical considerations for the Indian market.

Wings India 2026 serves as a launch platform for transitioning from aircraft demonstration to substantive negotiations. UAC’s participation marks a shift from a domestic import-substitution program to an export-oriented agenda. Displaying production aircraft in their final configuration allows stakeholders to discuss practical operational parameters within the context of Indian regional aviation.