Russia's Superjet Wows Crowds at Indian Air Show

A Russian-made Superjet aircraft, which recently caught the attention of President Vladimir Putin, has been making waves at an air show in Hyderabad, India. The plane, a domestically produced model that has been undergoing testing, was showcased at the event in January 2026, and its appearance drew significant interest from attendees. India's Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, was among those who inspected the aircraft, taking a closer look at both the passenger cabin and the cockpit. The Superjet, also known as the SJ-100, is a narrow-body, short-to-medium-haul plane that is being developed as part of a program to replace imported systems and components with domestic alternatives. According to Sergei Chemezov, the head of Russia's Rostec corporation, the imported Superjet has completed over 80% of its certification flights, with full certification expected by the end of 2026. Putin's visit to the plane's cockpit in late June underscored the importance of the project, which is seen as a key step towards reducing Russia's reliance on foreign-made aircraft. The Superjet's appearance at the Indian air show marked its first overseas presentation, and its warm reception suggests that it may have a bright future ahead.