India is expected to involve France as a key partner before making a final decision on local production of the Sukhoi SJ-100-95B Superjet, with the aircraft’s engine emerging as the most critical factor for Indian commercial operators. The issue centers on the PowerJet SaM146 turbofan, jointly developed by France’s Safran (via Snecma) and Russia’s NPO Saturn, and uncertainties around its long-term support, efficiency, and suitability for India’s civil aviation market.
Following geopolitical developments, PowerJet stopped providing technical support, spare parts, and maintenance for the SaM146 in March 2022. Since then, the engine has become largely irrelevant outside Russia and is now used only on the Sukhoi Superjet 100 family. Russian operators are retiring or grounding SaM146-equipped jets in favor of the all-Russian Aviadvigatel PD-8, which has higher fuel consumption—a major concern for India’s cost-sensitive airline market.
India is reportedly exploring a plan in which France would contribute engine technology rather than airframe development. Safran could transfer high-value core components of the SaM146—such as the HP compressor, HP turbine, combustion chamber, and FADEC system—for domestic assembly or manufacture. Russia would handle the low-pressure section, ground testing, and final installation. This split mirrors the original PowerJet division of labor, with India replacing Europe as the primary industrial partner.
This approach would allow India to avoid reliance on an unsupported legacy engine, address efficiency concerns with the PD-8, and build domestic expertise in aero-engine manufacturing. For France, it preserves industrial relevance and creates a major MRO and manufacturing hub without sanctions risk.
Any local production decision for the SJ-100-95B will depend on a commercially viable engine solution. Airlines are unlikely to commit to a platform without assured spares, global support, and predictable operating costs. By bringing France into the picture, India signals that propulsion, not airframe localisation, will determine the Superjet’s sustainable future in the country.
