India Eyes 1,500 Passenger Jets, Explores Russia-France Collaboration for Domestic Production

India’s aviation sector is expanding rapidly, and the country is projected to need over 1,500 passenger aircraft in the next decade. Market leaders Indigo and Air India together account for 90% of domestic air travel and have placed orders for more than 1,500 planes, highlighting the immense growth potential in India’s aviation market.

Currently, global passenger aircraft manufacturing is dominated by Boeing and Airbus, which together produce 86% of planes worldwide. However, since 2024, these companies have struggled to meet demand, creating potential supply challenges for India. This has reignited discussions about whether India should develop its own passenger aircraft.

India-Russia SJ-100 Deal

Last October, India signed an initial agreement with Russia to manufacture the SJ-100 passenger aircraft domestically. The SJ-100 is a twin-engine jet with a seating capacity of 103 passengers, produced by the Russian company United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). Several Russian airlines already operate the aircraft, and Indian authorities see it as a potential game-changer for the domestic aviation industry.

However, experts have raised questions about the project’s feasibility, citing the cost of the aircraft relative to potential returns and whether UAC can scale production in India. Russia continues to face challenges due to international sanctions and difficulties obtaining spare parts, particularly following the Ukraine conflict. European aviation regulators have also withdrawn certification for the SJ-100, preventing its operation in European airspace.

The Engine Challenge and France’s Potential Role

The SJ-100 is powered by the Russian SaM146 turbofan engine, developed jointly by Russia’s NPO Saturn and France’s Safran. Due to geopolitical tensions, France has halted technical support, spare parts supply, and maintenance services for the engine. This has raised serious concerns about engine reliability and performance.

As a result, India is reportedly exploring the possibility of involving France to provide engines tailored to its domestic requirements, focusing on fuel efficiency and operational reliability. However, it remains unclear whether France would agree to supply or support engines for the Russian-designed SJ-100 in collaboration with India.

The next few months will be critical in determining whether India can successfully execute the SJ-100 domestic production plan and address the engine and supply chain challenges, potentially marking a significant step toward self-reliance in aviation.