Russia Unveils SJ-100: Second Fully Domestic Aircraft with New Engine

Russia has once again demonstrated that defeating it is nearly impossible. The Ukraine conflict has dragged on, with Kyiv defending itself with Western support, while Russia has faced heavy sanctions.

These sanctions cut off trade, restricted Russian exports, and halted the supply of critical aerospace components from Western countries. As a result, Russia’s aviation sector was hit hard. Many Boeing and Airbus aircraft in Russia were grounded, with several forced into emergency landings due to maintenance shortages.

In response, Russia has doubled down on its push for self-reliance. Determined to reduce its dependence on Western technology, Moscow has been reviving its domestic aircraft programs. One example is the MC-21, a 100% Russian-built jet with locally made avionics, wings, fuselage, and engines.

Now, Russia has unveiled another major step: the SJ-100 (Eklavvya SJ-100), a fully Russian-made regional jet developed under the country’s import substitution program. On September 5, 2025, the final serially produced SJ-100 (registration 970004) completed its maiden flight in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, powered by the new PD-8 engine—an entirely domestic system. This marked a key milestone, replacing previously imported parts such as avionics, landing gear, and auxiliary power units.

The SJ-100 program was launched in 2019 as “SJ-New” with the goal of replacing over 1,400 foreign components. Early prototypes used the Franco-Russian SaM146 engine, but since 2025, testing has shifted fully to the Russian-made PD-8.

The certification process—expected to involve nearly 200 test flights—is still underway, with only about 20% completed as of April 2025. Full certification is targeted by late 2025, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2026. Currently, around 24 serial aircraft are at different stages of production.

Designed to carry roughly 100 passengers, the SJ-100 will focus on regional connectivity across Russia, linking smaller cities and nearby destinations. While challenges remain, the aircraft represents a cornerstone of Moscow’s strategy to achieve aviation independence and reduce reliance on Boeing and Airbus.

Russia’s SJ-100 project is not just about building an airplane—it’s about proving that the country can stand on its own in one of the most high-tech and sanction-sensitive industries in the world.