Russia advances import-substituted SJ-100: serial production expected in 2027, deliveries by early 2027

Lead

Russian state technology corporation Rostec expects to begin serial production of the import-substituted SSJ-100 aircraft in 2027, according to CEO Sergey Chemezov. Speaking at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chemezov said that 80% of the required certification flights have been completed and that certification is planned for this year. He added, "We will begin serial production next year."

In parallel, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov told reporters that deliveries of the import-substituting SJ-100, equipped with the Russian PD-8 engine, will begin either at the end of this year or in the first quarter of 2027. Manturov explained that the timing depends on the handover and registration process with the first customer, stating, "We expect this to happen in the near future."

Coverage Comparison

TASS, the Russian state news agency, reported these developments across several articles. The accounts from Chemezov and Manturov present a consistent timeline: certification of the aircraft in 2025, serial production in 2027, and initial deliveries spanning from late 2026 to early 2027. Chemezov's statement indicates that 80% of certification flights are complete and that certification will be received this year, while Manturov's remarks focus on the start of deliveries, which he places at the end of this year or Q1 2027.

Rostec separately announced that the PD-8 engine has completed all certification tests and is expected to receive its type certificate in the near future. The engine has logged over 6,500 operating hours, including 1,449 hours on Superjet aircraft and the flying testbed, with the remainder on test benches. Rostec stated that the engine "has proven its high reliability, safety, and operational readiness in the most challenging conditions."

Additionally, UEC CEO Alexander Grachev claimed at the Congress of the Russian Engineering Union that the United Engine Corporation became the global leader in combat aircraft engine production last year, producing more engines than the United States and China combined. Grachev noted that despite being cut off from international cooperation in 2021, UEC increased production volume 3.5 times.

Key Claims

• Rostec expects serial production of import-substituted SSJ-100 to begin in 2027, with 80% of certification flights completed and certification planned for this year, as stated by Sergey Chemezov.
• Deliveries of import-substituting SJ-100s with PD-8 engines will begin at the end of 2026 or in Q1 2027, according to Denis Manturov.
• The PD-8 engine has completed all certification tests and is expected to receive a type certificate soon, as reported by TASS citing Rostec.
• The PD-8 engine has logged over 6,500 operating hours (6,590 total, including 1,449 on Superjets and the flying testbed), demonstrating high reliability and safety during testing.
• UEC claims to have produced more combat aircraft engines than the US and China combined in the last year, and increased production volume 3.5 times despite international isolation, as per CEO Alexander Grachev.

Perspectives

Rostec and Russian officials

Rostec, represented by Sergey Chemezov and supported by Denis Manturov and Alexander Grachev, frames the SJ-100 program as a successful import substitution effort, emphasizing progress in certification and production, and positioning UEC as a global leader in engine production despite external constraints.