The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade is considering re-engining SSJ-100 aircraft from the Franco-Russian SaM146 engines to the domestic PD-8. However, an important question remains as to whose specific expense this work will be carried out at, admitted Deputy Head of the ministry Gennady Abramenkov.
According to him, the United Aircraft Corporation (OAK) and the United Engine Corporation (ODK, both part of Rostec) are ready to join the research and development work (R&D). But the situation requires a more comprehensive approach with the participation of Rosaviatsiya and the Ministry of Transport.
No less important is the question of the mechanism for upgrading (re-engining) specific aircraft — how exactly and at whose expense this will be carried out.
The head of Rosaviatsiya, Dmitry Yadrov, noted that the plan to re-engine Superjet-100 aircraft with Russian PD-8 engines remains in place, and all key operators of this type of aircraft are interested in such a path.
Let us recall that in October 2025, the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Anton Alikhanov, stated that the ministry would propose that the government finance the R&D at its own expense. Apparently, the situation may have changed.
Earlier, aviation expert Roman Gusarov also explained to "Pervomu tekhnicheskomu" that replacing SaM146 with PD-8 would require a great deal of funding. He expressed confidence that starting such work for the sake of 150 aircraft currently makes no sense whatsoever.
Read more materials on the topic:
- They will buy 100 aircraft: the Tu-214 deal is being discussed by the Ministry of Transport and Rosaviatsiya with S7 Airlines
- There is a use for "Superjets" with SaM146: the plan is ambitious, but resembles a pipe dream
- A large-scale symposium of SSJ-100 operators was held in Krasnodar: the future of domestic regional aviation was discussed