NAIS-2026 Expo Reveals Russia's Push for Domestic Aviation Technology
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Russia's NAIS-2026 and DronTech expo featured over 200 companies, underscoring the aggressive push for proactive import substitution in commercial aviation.
Key Takeaways
- •The NAIS-2026/DronTech expo featured over 200 companies dedicated to domestic aerospace production.
- •Russia's state goal is for 50% of the commercial fleet to be domestically produced by 2030, up from 19% currently.
- •The strategy relies on key models like the import-substituted SJ-100 and MC-21, with 30 SJ-100s planned for 2026 delivery.
- •Operational challenges are severe: over 480 aircraft were suspended (2023-2025) due to maintenance and safety violations, according to Rosaviatsiya.
The National Aviation Infrastructure Show (NAIS-2026) and DronTech expo recently concluded in Russia. The event highlighted the nation's proactive import substitution strategy. Over 200 companies showcased their focus on domestic aerospace production, according to the organizer.
This push is a direct response to international sanctions. These restrictions have complicated maintenance and spare parts supply for foreign-made aircraft. The goal is to rapidly increase the share of Russian aviation import substitution in the civil fleet.
The Domestic Fleet Strategy
The Russian government has set ambitious targets for the Russian aerospace industry. Official documents aim for domestic aircraft to comprise 50% of the commercial fleet by 2030. This is a significant jump from the current share of about 19%.
The plan involves building more than 600 fully Russian aircraft over six years. The core of this strategy centers on several key models. These include the import-substituted Superjet 100 (SJ-100) and the MC-21-310. Other models like the Il-114-300, Tu-214, and Il-96-300 are also part of the program.
Key Aircraft Development
The Superjet 100 (SJ-100) is a primary focus for domestic production. The import-substituted version, the SJ-100, features Russian-developed PD-8 engines. Deliveries of this model are expected to begin in 2026. Plans call for 30 SJ-100 units to be produced during the year.
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) is the key manufacturer driving this effort. They are responsible for developing these new commercial aviation technology platforms. UAC also recently firmed up plans to assemble the SJ-100 in India.
Challenges to Implementation
Despite the strong industrial focus, the strategy faces significant hurdles. Experts note the main difficulty is the gradual reduction in serviceable aircraft. The aging fleet complicates maintenance and reduces flight hours.
Furthermore, the production schedule for new aircraft remains challenging. Deadlines for the SJ-100 have been postponed previously. The new Russian MC-21 and SJ100 models will only occupy a small fleet share initially.
Safety and Maintenance Concerns
Safety oversight has become a critical issue. The head of the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) noted severe violations in the sector. Between 2023 and 2025, over 480 aircraft had operations suspended. This represents nearly half of the entire commercial fleet.
Violations included operating aircraft with defects and falsifying maintenance work. Rosaviatsiya is concerned about a “lowering of the threshold for acceptable violations”. This highlights the critical need for robust domestic aircraft components and certified maintenance.
Unmanned Systems and Future Focus
The DronTech component of the expo focused on unmanned aerial systems development. The government aims for domestic UAS to capture 70% of the market by 2030. This shows a dual focus on both traditional and advanced commercial aviation technology.
- Opportunities: The drive creates new jobs and boosts related industries.
- Risks: Production delays and maintenance issues threaten flight safety.
- Impact: Airlines must balance high costs with reduced transport capacity.
The NAIS-2026 expo successfully showcased the industrial commitment. However, the event occurred against a backdrop of serious operational and safety challenges. The success of the proactive import substitution strategy hinges on overcoming these production and maintenance gaps.
From airline operations to fleet updates, commercial aviation news lives at flying.flights. For reporting on UAP sightings, investigations, and aviation-related encounters, see the UAPs section at flying.flights/uaps.
Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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