Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Russia-Brazil Race for India’s First Aircraft Assembly Line
India wants to build civilian airplanes inside the country.
Russia has proposed selling 85 IL-114-300 turboprop planes to two Indian companies.
Russia also wants to work with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on the SJ-100 regional jet.
Brazil’s Embraer and the Adani Group have proposed assembling E-175 planes in India.
The E-175 is already used in India by Star Air.
The Russian aircraft still needs certification in India before it can be sold there.
Sanctions could also make Russian financing and imports harder.
India has many potential passengers, but regional airlines have historically been few.
It is not yet clear whether the Russian or Brazilian-backed proposal will move first.
United Aircraft Corporation signed letters of intent covering 85 IL-114-300 turboprop aircraft with two Indian companies.
Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited reaffirmed plans for joint SJ-100 production.
Embraer and the Adani Group signed a memorandum for an E-175 final assembly line in India.
The Russian proposal faces Indian certification, financing and import challenges amid sanctions on Russian entities.
India has sought a civil aircraft assembly line, but limited regional-aircraft demand could make competition difficult.
- Who
- United Aircraft Corporation and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited are pursuing Russian aircraft plans, while Embraer and the Adani Group are pursuing an Indian E-175 assembly line.
- What
- Russia and Brazil-linked aircraft manufacturers are competing to establish a civilian final assembly line in India.
- When
- The latest discussions took place around the conclusion of the BRICS summit; the article also references agreements signed earlier this year.
- Where
- India, including discussions connected with the BRICS summit and proposed assembly facilities.
- Why
- India wants greater self-reliance in civil aviation and has demand for aircraft, while manufacturers see potential value in establishing local production.
Russian Proposal
Brazilian-Backed Proposal
Aircraft and industrial arrangement
Russian Proposal
United Aircraft Corporation has proposed IL-114-300 deliveries and joint SJ-100 production with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
Brazilian-Backed Proposal
Embraer has proposed an E-175 final assembly line in India with the Adani Group.
Market readiness
Russian Proposal
The IL-114-300 is not yet commercially inducted and still needs Indian certification.
Brazilian-Backed Proposal
The E-175 is already operating in India with Star Air and is used by operators worldwide.
Implementation challenges
Russian Proposal
The Russian plan faces certification, financing and import difficulties amid sanctions on Russian entities.
Brazilian-Backed Proposal
The article does not identify equivalent sanctions or certification obstacles for the Embraer proposal, but says aircraft production requires substantial resources and funding over multiple years.
Competitive outlook
Russian Proposal
Russia could gain an early position through its agreements with Indian companies and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
Brazilian-Backed Proposal
Embraer and the Adani Group could benefit from the E-175’s existing operation and experience in the international market.
- Russian aircraft order proposals
- Letters of intent cover 50 IL-114-300 aircraft with Pinnacle Air and 35 with Sleek Aviation.
- Russian joint-production plan
- United Aircraft Corporation and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited have an MoU for joint production of the SJ-100.
- Brazilian-backed plan
- Embraer and the Adani Group signed an MoU for an E-175 final assembly line in India.
- Russian aircraft certification
- The IL-114-300 received type certification in Russia in June, but still requires certification in India.
- Main Russian obstacles
- The article identifies sanctions-related challenges involving financing and importing Russian aircraft.
- Existing E-175 use
- The E-175 is already operated in India by Star Air and by operators in other countries.
- India’s aviation position
- The article describes India as the only major economy without its own airliner or a civilian final assembly line.