The discussion around Russia’s aviation program centers on the progress of domestically produced propulsion and the readiness of the SJ-100 family to enter testing cycles with new powerplants. The focus is on the PD-8 engine, designed and manufactured at home, and its role in powering the SJ-100 aircraft as ground tests continue and flight test programs advance. The trajectory set for early 2025 envisions the aircraft undergoing a defined sequence of checks and evaluations with the domestic engine onboard, reflecting a broader push toward import substitution and greater self-reliance in critical aerospace technologies.
