The Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100), once a flagship project of Russia’s ambition to modernise its civil aviation industry, has now become a symbol of technological stagnation and the wider impact of international sanctions. The aircraft, notorious for its string of safety incidents, is increasingly seen as emblematic of the challenges facing Russia’s aerospace sector.
Five Incidents in a Single Day
On 24 November, the SSJ100 made headlines following five separate incidents in one day. The most severe involved a fire aboard a Superjet in Antalya, Turkey. After landing, landing gear struts punctured the aircraft’s fuel tanks, igniting a fire. Miraculously, no casualties were reported—unlike the 2019 tragedy in Moscow, where a similar incident resulted in the death of 41 passengers. Survivors described chaotic evacuation scenes, with passengers scrambling through thick smoke and flames.
The other incidents included:
- An emergency landing in Ufa due to low hydraulic fluid levels.
- A hydraulic system leak on an SSJ100 operated by Red Wings Airlines during takeoff in Sochi.
- A fault in the nose wheel steering system, forcing another aircraft to land in St. Petersburg.
- Reports of a fuel system malfunction on a different flight.
These incidents highlight recurring technical issues, particularly with the landing gear and hydraulics, raising serious concerns about the Superjet’s reliability.
The Role of Sanctions
The string of technical failures points to a deeper issue: the impact of Western sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The SSJ100 was initially developed with significant international collaboration, particularly from French and Italian firms. Many of its critical components, including engines, were produced abroad or depended on Western technology. With the withdrawal of these partners, Russian manufacturers have struggled to maintain the aircraft, let alone improve it.
For instance, the engines, co-developed with French aerospace firm Safran, are now unsupported, leading to maintenance issues that have grounded a significant portion of the Superjet fleet. Attempts at domestic production of replacement parts have proven inadequate, with experts warning that even minor malfunctions could result in catastrophic failures.
Russia’s Aviation Industry in Crisis
The broader picture for Russia’s aviation sector is equally grim. Analysts suggest the Superjet’s days are numbered, with a gradual phase-out likely as safety concerns mount. Meanwhile, airlines are reportedly turning to second-hand aircraft from international markets, raising concerns about the reliability and safety of aging fleets.
This mirrors trends in other sectors, such as the acquisition of outdated oil tankers for Russia’s “shadow fleet,” highlighting a dependence on outdated or substandard technology.
A Symbol of Broader Failures
The SSJ100 saga is an illustration of Russia’s struggle to sustain its industrial ambitions under international isolation. Despite years of rhetoric about self-reliance and import substitution, the country has been unable to produce modern, competitive technology independently. From civil aviation to consumer goods, much of Russia’s output remains reliant on Soviet-era designs and foreign components.
For example, while Western aerospace companies have advanced with innovations in fuel efficiency and digital avionics, Russia has lagged behind. The Superjet’s problems are not just technical but reputational, underscoring the perception of Russian-made products as unreliable and outdated.
Implications for Sanctions Policy
The ongoing difficulties with the SSJ100 provide a measure of the effectiveness of sanctions. By targeting high-tech sectors and international partnerships, Western nations have exacerbated the challenges faced by Russia’s aviation and defence industries. Observers note that while Moscow continues to deploy military hardware, the frequency and precision of missile strikes suggest limitations in production capabilities.
Russia’s difficulties in producing modern technology, whether for civilian or military use, reflect the broader impact of sanctions on its economy. This includes challenges in sectors such as consumer electronics, automotive manufacturing, and aerospace. As sanctions persist, these constraints are expected to deepen, further undermining Russia’s ability to sustain its technological base.
