India and Russia have finalized agreements for over 100 regional IL-114-300 aircraft to be placed in India, according to latest reports. As per United Aircraft Corporation CEO Vadim Badekha, the Russian manufacturer is moving towards multiple aircraft agreements with Indian aviation companies at Innoprom India. The IL-114-300 turboprop is specifically designed for regional operations and aligns with India's expanding regional connectivity requirements as several new airports emerge across the country.
India and Russia have expanded discussions on manufacturing Sukhoi Superjet 100 and IL-114 aircraft in India, according to Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu. Speaking to reporters ahead of the BRICS Summit, Naidu said discussions with the Russian delegation focused on the MoU between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia for aircraft manufacturing in India. The proposed arrangement includes licensed production and technology support from Russia for the Superjet 100 regional jet, with discussions also progressing on local production of the SJ-100 aircraft in India.
As reported by ANI, Naidu identified two types of aircraft under discussion: the turboprop IL-114 and the Sukhoi Superjet 100, which is a jet-engine plane. Both aircraft are suited to India's regional connectivity requirements. The Superjet 100 is designed for short and medium-distance routes, while the IL-114-300 is a turboprop designed for regional operations. The potential production in India could help address demand for aircraft suited to smaller airports and regional routes, with the collaboration specifically aligning with India's regional connectivity goals as new airports emerge.
According to Naidu's statements, the government wants to start the manufacturing process as soon as possible to help connect more airports across the country. The discussions come as India continues to expand its regional aviation network, with the government seeing greater connectivity between smaller cities as an important part of the country's aviation growth. For HAL, the proposed programme could mark a significant expansion into commercial aircraft manufacturing, alongside its established defence aviation operations. The joint airliner has already entered into agreements with several Indian airlines, with the Russian manufacturer prepared to place more than 100 regional IL-114-300 aircraft in India.
The discussions occurred during preparations for India's hosting of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi from September 12-13. Naidu said the government wants to use the BRICS platform to deepen India's partnerships, including cooperation with Russia in sectors such as aviation. The summit will cover broader economic and strategic cooperation between member countries, providing a framework for advancing the aircraft manufacturing partnership. Russia is preparing to promote regional aircraft in India at Innoprom, with several deals for the IL-114-300 expected to be finalized during the event.
