✈️ Russia’s Fully Domestic SJ-100 Jet Powered by PD-8 Engines Takes First Flight

✈️ Russia’s Fully Domestic SJ-100 Jet Powered by PD-8 Engines Takes First Flight

Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia — In a landmark moment for Russia’s aviation industry, the newly developed SJ-100 regional passenger jet, equipped entirely with domestically produced systems and engines, successfully completed its maiden flight, according to a statement from Rostec State Corporation.

The flight, which lasted about one hour, took place over Komsomolsk-on-Amur in Russia’s Far East, marking the first time the aircraft — powered by the cutting-edge PD-8 turbofan engines developed by the United Engine Corporation (UEC) — took to the skies in its final production-ready configuration.

A Shift Toward Aviation Independence

The SJ-100 represents Russia’s most ambitious aviation program in recent years, designed to reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign technology in the wake of international sanctions and supply chain disruptions.

Rostec confirmed that the aircraft is now fully import-substituted, with foreign-made parts and systems replaced by Russian-developed alternatives. This includes not only the engines, but also avionics, flight control systems, landing gear, hydraulics, and onboard electronics.

“This is the first aircraft built using serial production technologies in the target configuration planned for deliveries. Russia remains an aviation power, capable of producing modern aircraft independently,” Rostec emphasized in a statement.

Key Features and Upgrades

The SJ-100 is a modernized successor to the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100), a regional jet that previously relied heavily on Western components, particularly French-Russian engines (SaM146). The new model incorporates:

PD-8 engines — developed entirely in Russia by UEC, promising better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Upgraded fuselage — with structural improvements designed to increase durability and passenger comfort.

Dozens of new domestic systems — including avionics, navigation, hydraulics, and cabin interior components.

Industry analysts say this marks a turning point for Russian aerospace engineering, demonstrating that the country can redesign and manufacture key aviation systems under significant international restrictions.

Production Status

Assembly of the SJ-100 is currently underway at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft plant, one of Russia’s largest aviation manufacturing centers. According to Rostec, 24 aircraft are already in different stages of production, with initial deliveries scheduled for Russian airlines in the coming years.

The aircraft is expected to serve primarily domestic and regional routes, filling a gap left by reduced access to Western-made planes and spare parts.

A Strategic Response to Sanctions

The development of the SJ-100 comes at a critical time for Russia’s civil aviation sector. Following Western sanctions linked to geopolitical tensions, Russia has faced difficulties sourcing spare parts, maintaining fleets of Airbus and Boeing jets, and fulfilling airline demands.

By investing heavily in domestic aircraft programs, including the SJ-100 and the larger MC-21 medium-haul jet, Russia aims to safeguard its aviation sovereignty and maintain passenger connectivity across its vast territory.

Aviation experts note that while the SJ-100’s successful first flight is a major milestone, the true test will be its commercial deployment, reliability, and global competitiveness against established Western and Chinese regional jets.

Looking Ahead

The SJ-100 program underscores Russia’s determination to remain a global aviation power despite challenges in the international market. If production continues as planned and operational performance proves reliable, the aircraft could reshape Russia’s domestic aviation landscape — and potentially find buyers in allied countries seeking alternatives to Western aircraft.

With its first successful test flight, Russia has signaled not just technological resilience, but also its broader strategy to decouple critical industries from Western dependence.