In a strategic maneuver, Russian aviation firms are positioning themselves to capture a slice of India’s rapidly expanding regional skies at the upcoming Wings India 2026 event in Hyderabad. The spotlight falls on two key models: the versatile Ilyushin IL-114-300 turboprop and the advanced Superjet SJ-100 regional jet.
With Western players like Airbus and Boeing holding sway in larger segments, Russia’s focus on smaller aircraft aligns perfectly with India’s infrastructure boom. New airports in underserved cities are creating urgent needs for planes that thrive on short runways and rugged terrains.
The IL-114-300 stands out with its 68-passenger capacity, designed for challenging operations and priced at $20-35 million in full production. It directly competes with established names like ATR and Bombardier, promising cost-effective solutions for regional connectivity.
Complementing it, the SJ-100 targets higher-density routes with 87-98 seats, challenging Embraer’s offerings at $30-36 million. Yet, price is just the entry point. Moscow’s real game-changer is the offer of local production and partnerships, shifting decisions from mere imports to ecosystem-building ventures.
This approach promises high-skill employment in avionics, maintenance, and supply chains, with lifecycle services like MRO driving economic value over 30 years. As Wings India 2026 unfolds, Russia’s showcase could mark the beginning of a new era in Indo-Russian aviation collaboration, bolstering India’s self-sufficient skies.