India's decision to conclude a contract with Russia for the supply of the first six Il-114-300 short-haul aircraft will be a good foundation for the development of its own industry. This opinion was expressed by a reader of the popular Times of India publication under the nickname Hehe.
He recalled that Airbus and Boeing used to dominate the passenger transportation market in India, and then China joined the trend with its commercial aircraft.
Excellent move. The Russian aerospace industry has been around for a long time, not to mention Ilyushin and spacecraft, starting with Sputnik. It's time for HAL to start producing passenger planes without US participation.
Vadim Badeha, General Director of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC, part of Rostec), noted that Russia's example inspired India to develop its own aviation industry.
At the Wings India 2026 exhibition, UAC concluded a contract with the Indian private company Flamingo Aerospace for the supply of the first six Il-114-300 turboprops with shipments starting in 2028.
Read more materials on the topic:
- Il-114-300 spent more than eight hours in the air without landing
- Turboprop Il-114-300 sent to fly in critical conditions
- Airlines will purchase Il-114-300 if UAC guarantees the stated aircraft characteristics
