India, Russia advance plan to build passenger aircraft locally as UAC eyes potential 105-plane opportunity
New Delhi, September 10: India and Russia have advanced discussions on joint production of civil passenger aircraft in India, as Russian aircraft maker United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) pursues potential arrangements covering up to 105 Il-114-300 regional turboprop aircraft for Indian operators.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu held talks with Russian Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov in New Delhi on Thursday on expanding cooperation in civil aviation, including local manufacturing of passenger aircraft and deeper industrial collaboration.
The discussions come as UAC seeks to expand its presence in India’s regional aviation market through the Il-114-300 turboprop and the SJ-100 regional jet.
UAC has signed preliminary agreements covering 85 Il-114-300 aircraft for two Indian operators. These include a letter of intent for 50 aircraft for Pinnacle Air and a memorandum of understanding covering 35 aircraft for Sleek Aviation.
A separate agreement covering up to 20 additional Il-114-300 aircraft for Air Kerala is also planned, taking the potential opportunity to 105 aircraft.
However, the 105-aircraft figure does not represent firm orders. The 85 aircraft currently covered by agreements are also at the preliminary stage, with UAC expecting to conclude its first firm supply contracts with Indian customers before the end of 2026.
The Il-114-300 is a regional turboprop designed to serve short- and medium-distance routes and operate from airports with relatively limited infrastructure. UAC lists a maximum passenger capacity of 68, with a basic configuration of 64 seats.
The aircraft is powered by Russian-made TV7-117ST-01 turboprop engines.
Initial Il-114-300 aircraft supplied to Indian operators are expected to be manufactured in Russia, while localisation in India would require additional certification, production arrangements and customer agreements.
India and Russia are also progressing plans to manufacture the SJ-100 regional passenger jet in India.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and UAC signed a memorandum of understanding in October 2025 for production of the SJ-100 in India, followed by a joint-activity agreement in January 2026 to establish the framework for licensed manufacturing.
UAC said this week that more than 80 per cent of the licensing agreement for SJ-100 production in India has been finalised and that it expects the agreement to be signed soon.
The Russian manufacturer is also targeting Aero India 2027 for signing a contract with the first Indian operator of the SJ-100.
The SJ-100 can carry up to 103 passengers and is powered by Russian PD-8 engines. The aircraft also uses Russian-made avionics, landing gear and other major systems.
Russia showcased the Il-114-300, SJ-100 and MC-21 passenger aircraft at the Innoprom India exhibition in New Delhi as it seeks a larger role in India’s expanding civil aviation market.
UAC has already secured an earlier preliminary agreement in India for the Il-114-300. In January 2026, it signed a framework purchase agreement with Flamingo Aerospace for six aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028.
The latest talks indicate a broader push by India and Russia to move beyond a conventional buyer-seller relationship in aviation towards local manufacturing, technology cooperation and long-term civil aircraft production in India.
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