Russia is set to make a commanding appearance at Wings India 2026, Asia's premier civil aviation exhibition, signalling a renewed focus on the Indian regional air travel market.
The event, scheduled to take place from January 28 to 31 at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, will serve as a platform for Russia to showcase its latest advancements in regional aviation, specifically the SJ-100 jet and the Il-114-300 turboprop.
Strategic Showcase by United Aircraft Corporation
The Russian delegation, led by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) with support from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Russian Trade Mission in India, will feature a prominent display of its aviation capabilities.Attendees can expect to see detailed scale models of both the SJ-100 and Il-114-300 at the UAC stand.
In a move symbolising the strengthening civil aviation ties between New Delhi and Moscow, a model of the SJ-100 bearing the insignia of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be displayed at HAL's pavilion.
This follows recent agreements aimed at localising the production of the SJ-100 in India, a significant step towards the 'Make in India' initiative in the civil aerospace sector.
The SJ-100, an import-substituted version of the Sukhoi Superjet, has been updated with domestic Russian systems and engines, making it a key asset for independent manufacturing.
Potential Fleet Expansion: The Flamingo Aerospace Deal
A highlight of the event is the anticipated signing of a contract between Russian manufacturers and Flamingo Aerospace, an Indian aviation entity.The agreement reportedly outlines the supply of six Il-114-300 turboprop aircraft. If finalised, this deal would mark a significant entry for the rugged Russian regional plane into the Indian commercial fleet.
The Il-114-300 is uniquely suited to India's operational environment, particularly under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN).
Designed to operate on short, unpaved runways and in challenging terrain, the aircraft addresses the critical need for connecting underserved and remote airfields. Its modernized avionics and reliance on Russian-made engines align with the industry's shift towards robust, self-reliant technologies.
Live Demonstrations and Global Interest
To demonstrate the operational readiness of these platforms, the Russian delegation has planned a flight demonstration for one of the aircraft types.This live performance at Begumpet Airport is expected to offer potential buyers and industry experts a firsthand look at the aircraft's manoeuvrability and performance characteristics.
Wings India 2026 is projected to attract delegations from over 25 countries, including ministerial-level representatives, offering a massive audience for these demonstrations.
As India continues to aggressively expand its airport infrastructure—aiming to operationalise hundreds of new routes—the demand for efficient regional jets and reliable turboprops is at an all-time high.
This participation underscores a broader shift in Indo-Russian cooperation, moving beyond traditional military defence collaborations into the lucrative and strategic domain of civil aviation manufacturing and connectivity.
