Russian aerospace corporations are strategically targeting India's burgeoning regional connectivity market through comprehensive partnerships that combine direct aircraft sales with phased local production, substantial technology transfer, and comprehensive maintenance support infrastructure. This significant push gained momentum at the Wings India 2026 aviation exhibition held in Hyderabad, where detailed collaboration plans were unveiled.
Strategic Agreements Forged in Hyderabad
The Rostec subsidiary, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), took center stage at the Hyderabad event, showcasing two specialized regional aircraft models designed for the Indian market. UAC has already established a foundational agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the co-production of the 103-seat, twin-engine SuperJet 100 (SJ-100) within India. In a parallel development, UAC signed a preliminary purchase agreement with Hyderabad-based Flamingo Aerospace for six advanced IL-114-300 turboprop aircraft, specifically intended to service underserved regional routes and smaller airports across the country.
UAC's Vision for the Indian Market
Vadim Badekha, Chief Executive Officer of UAC, emphasized India's central role in the corporation's global civil aviation strategy. "We consider that the Indian market has great potential for us. A key factor in achieving success is being an integral part of the Make in India programme," Badekha stated. He elaborated on the depth of the proposed industrial collaboration, noting, "That's very important—it's not merely about supply or sale, but the joint production of these aircraft within India itself."
Badekha projected substantial demand, estimating a need for "several hundreds of different aircraft" in the regional segment. He highlighted the competitive advantage of direct manufacturer engagement, stating, "These aircraft are currently manufactured exclusively in Russia, eliminating any intermediary involvement in the supply chain." Looking beyond immediate projects, he revealed that UAC is completing certification work on the MC-21 single-aisle aircraft in Russia and is actively considering its future manufacturing and sales potential in the Indian market.
Phased Manufacturing and Timelines
Regarding implementation schedules, Badekha outlined a phased approach: "We anticipate the joint manufacturing process will occur in distinct phases, with the initial step achievable within three to four years." This structured timeline aligns with broader industrial planning for technology absorption and local capacity building.
HAL's Implementation Strategy
D K Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, provided specific operational details. HAL plans to initiate production by rolling out semi knocked down (SKD) versions of the SJ-100 aircraft from its existing facilities within a three-year timeframe, primarily through the assembly of imported major components. To accelerate deployment, HAL is pursuing aircraft leasing arrangements, aiming to introduce approximately ten aircraft within 12 to 18 months, with potential for leasing an additional 10 to 20 flyaway aircraft directly sourced from Russia.
Sunil expressed strong market confidence, forecasting demand for over 200 SJ-100 aircraft dedicated to enhancing regional air connectivity. He confirmed that HAL is engaged in advanced discussions with financial entities in GIFT City regarding leasing frameworks to support this expansion.
Flamingo Aerospace's Localization Roadmap
Pappula Subhakar, Founder and CEO of Flamingo Aerospace, detailed the company's comprehensive agreement with UAC. Beyond the preliminary purchase agreement for six IL-114-300 aircraft, the partnership includes a formal license agreement for extensive technology transfer. Deliveries for the initial six aircraft are scheduled to commence from early 2028.
Subhakar outlined an ambitious localization plan:
- Achieving approximately 25% indigenization of aircraft interiors and seating systems by 2028.
- Establishing dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities by 2028.
- Commencing final assembly operations within India by 2030.
- Pursuing deeper levels of localization and component manufacturing in subsequent phases.
This multi-faceted approach by Russian aerospace leaders, combined with commitments from Indian partners like HAL and Flamingo Aerospace, signifies a transformative phase for India's regional aviation sector, aligning with national manufacturing objectives and infrastructure development goals.
