India expands HAL-Russia MoU talks on manufacturing IL-114 and Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft domestically
Why It MattersA domestic manufacturing tie-up for regional aircraft types could reshape India's fleet-sourcing strategy as it builds out connectivity to newly developed airports.
Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit that India has expanded dialogue with Russia under a Memorandum of Understanding between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia covering domestic manufacture of the turboprop IL-114 and the jet-engine Sukhoi Superjet 100.
Naidu told reporters both aircraft suit India's regional connectivity needs given the large number of new airports under development, adding, "We want to start the process as soon as possible of getting their planes manufactured in the country." He said the Russian delegation had acknowledged India's transformation over the past two decades and its growing role as a global partner, describing the BRICS Summit, hosted by India in New Delhi on September 12–13 under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," as a major platform for that engagement.
