New Delhi: Russia proposed local production of civilian aircraft in India. The proposal was presented during the INNOPROM.India industrial technology exhibition in New Delhi, where officials from Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) highlighted opportunities for joint aircraft manufacturing.
The move aligns with India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives while supporting the country’s rapidly expanding regional aviation sector.
Details of India Russia Civil Aircraft Join Production Plan
Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation CEO Vadim Badeha said that India and Russia can directly discuss aircraft localisation without relying on third-party suppliers.
According to Russian officials, both countries already have a long history of defence cooperation and aircraft production experience. This foundation could help expand cooperation into the civilian aviation sector.
Focus On Domestic Production Capabilities
Russian representatives emphasized that the country has a complete domestic aircraft production cycle. This capability could support joint manufacturing projects in India and reduce dependence on external suppliers.
India Russia Civil Aircraft Join Production Plan: Proposed Aircraft
Russia has proposed two regional passenger aircraft for potential localisation in India:
Ilyushin Il-114 Turboprop Aircraft
The Il-114 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft designed for short regional routes. It can carry around 68 passengers and is suitable for connecting smaller cities and towns. Russia has also introduced modern upgrades to the aircraft to improve efficiency and performance.
Sukhoi Superjet-100 Regional Jet
The Sukhoi Superjet-100 is a regional passenger jet that can accommodate between 87 and 108 passengers. The aircraft is already operating with airlines in Russia and several international markets.
Why India Needs More Regional Aircraft
India is currently one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The country’s expanding airport network and rising passenger demand have increased the need for regional aircraft capable of serving smaller destinations.
UDAN Scheme Driving Regional Connectivity
The Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme aims to improve air connectivity in underserved and remote areas. As more regional routes become operational, demand for smaller passenger aircraft is expected to increase significantly.
How Aircraft Localisation Could Benefit India
Local manufacturing of civil aircraft could create multiple benefits for India. These include technology transfer, job creation, supply chain development, and reduced dependence on imported aviation products. The project could also help establish India as a future aviation manufacturing hub for domestic use and exports.
India Russia Civil Aircraft Join Production Plan: Support For Make In India And Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Aircraft localisation directly supports India’s Make in India initiative. It could strengthen indigenous manufacturing capabilities and contribute to the government’s goal of building a self-reliant industrial ecosystem.
INNOPROM.India Strengthens India-Russia Industrial Cooperation
The proposal was discussed during INNOPROM.India, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from September 9 to September 11. The exhibition brought together government officials, manufacturers, technology companies, investors, and industry organizations from both India and Russia. The event served as a platform to explore industrial partnerships and showcase advanced technologies.
India-Russia Partnership Expanding Beyond Defence
India and Russia have traditionally maintained strong defence ties. However, recent cooperation is increasingly expanding into civilian sectors such as aviation, energy, technology, manufacturing, and industrial development.
The aircraft localisation proposal reflects this broader strategic partnership and highlights new opportunities for economic collaboration.
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FAQs
Russia has offered the Ilyushin Il-114 turboprop aircraft and the Sukhoi Superjet-100 regional jet for potential localisation and manufacturing in India.
Russia has proposed manufacturing civilian aircraft in India through a joint localisation initiative. The plan includes aircraft production, technology cooperation, and support for India’s regional aviation market.
Aircraft localisation can create jobs, support technology transfer, strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and help India become an aviation production hub.
