In a recent plenary session, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov spoke about Russia’s aviation engine program, outlining that certification for the PD-8 engine intended for the Superjet is progressing and could be secured soon. The update came through the official news agency channel TASS. The minister noted that a major phase of engine testing is drawing to a close, with the overall certification timeline aligned toward a near term conclusion. This marks a critical milestone for domestic aviation technology, signaling a shift toward local propulsion solutions for key aircraft in Russia’s fleet. (citation: TASS)
Siluanov emphasized that new propulsion options are essential for the continued modernization of Russian aircraft. The PD-8 engine, designed to power the Superjet, is undergoing a rigorous test regime, and the government is closely monitoring the process to ensure that performance, reliability, and safety benchmarks are met before any certification is granted. The aim is to provide a domestically produced powerplant that can integrate smoothly with existing airframes while meeting international safety and efficiency standards. (citation: TASS)
The minister also disclosed that the federal budget has earmarked a substantial sum for aircraft production in 2024, with a total allocation of 175 billion rubles. A portion of these funds will flow toward the development of next generation propulsion systems, including PD-21 engines intended for the MS-14 platform and PD-35 engines for wide body aircraft. The funding package underscores the government’s commitment to expanding domestic aviation capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign powerplants for strategic aircraft programs. (citation: TASS)
Yuri Slyusar, the chair of United Aircraft Corporation, offered comments on progress during August, highlighting a projected first flight for the imported SJ-100 model in September. The plan envisions serial production and delivery of Superjet aircraft by 2024, with the domestic PD-8 engine set to play a central role in sustaining production lines and serving as a cornerstone for future domestic aviation initiatives. (citation: TASS)
Industry observers in the region have noted concerns about reliability and safety in any new propulsion program during its early testing phases. In recent discussions, experts have stressed the importance of comprehensive certification processes that verify engine performance across a range of operating conditions common to commercial service. The focus remains on ensuring that new domestic engines can meet the performance targets required for regional and international routes while maintaining strict safety standards. (citation: TASS)
Beyond the PD-8, the broader engine development strategy aims to diversify Russia’s aerospace propulsion options. The PD-21 and PD-35 programs are positioned to deliver improvements in thrust, fuel efficiency, and emissions performance for various aircraft families. Industry analysts point to the potential impact on maintenance costs, supply chain resilience, and long term ownership economics for operators relying on Russian airframes. The strategic objective is to strengthen the domestic ecosystem around engine manufacturing, test infrastructure, and skilled engineering talent. (citation: TASS)
Overall, the conversation around certification timelines, budget support, and the trajectory of the PD engine family reflects a coordinated effort to advance Russia’s aviation industry amid a rapidly evolving global market. Stakeholders in Canada and the United States monitoring regional aviation trends may view these developments as part of the broader push toward greater domestic capability in engine technology, airframe integration, and aircraft production. The outcome of certification testing and flight demonstrations will be a pivotal indicator of how quickly these domestic propulsion initiatives can scale to commercial, regional, and potentially export-oriented programs. (citation: TASS)