At the anniversary INNOPROM exhibition in Yekaterinburg, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin inspected the displays of Russian industrial enterprises.
This year`s INNOPROM exhibition in Yekaterinburg, marking its anniversary, offered a glimpse into the future of Russian industry. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin personally reviewed the presented developments, including the Il-114-300 aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, products from the national crafts center, and projects in the field of engine manufacturing. While some demonstrate potential and the drive towards technological sovereignty, their readiness and cost remain uncertain.
On Monday morning, Yekaterinburg, unlike Moscow and St. Petersburg, was calm: no collapse, just a queue for a robot-android reciting poetry. INNOPROM, Russia`s industrial showcase, this time had a Middle Eastern focus. Saudi Arabia participated as a partner country, signaling the strengthening of the eastern vector and, as the Prime Minister put it, «a platform for mutually beneficial cooperation.» What exactly constitutes «benefit» and what is still just «cooperation» remained undisclosed.
The 15th exhibition turned out to be more symbolic than ever: 15 years ago, INNOPROM began as a regional initiative, and now it has become a platform for strategic announcements. At the main session, aptly titled «Technological Leadership: Industrial Breakthrough,» the Prime Minister emphasized: «We are banking on technological sovereignty.»
However, the main media star was not the Ardi robot with its repertoire of 600 emotions, but an aircraft with far fewer emotions — the Il-114-300. Mishustin was shown it in person at Koltsovo airport. A symbol of import substitution, a project that should have been flying long ago, but for now only holds promise. Certification is expected by the end of the year, but even then, the aircraft, designed to replace the outdated regional transport fleet, will remain a «future prospect.» Meanwhile, the cost of each of the first three aircraft has already approached 4 billion rubles.
The Il-114-300 is intended for operation where there is no asphalt but there are people. It is designed for short runways, freezing temperatures, and lack of infrastructure. The engines, reported on with enthusiasm, are one of those areas where promises are currently outpacing deliveries. «This year — four, next year — twenty,» Mikhail Mishustin was told at one of the regional stands. The pace sounds almost revolutionary, but it is accompanied by the caveat: «all test cycles must be completed.» After the crash of the Il-112V, equipped with similar engines, caution has become mandatory rather than merely recommended.
The exhibition itself felt more like a club of export-import hopes this time. Saudis showcased petrochemicals, metals, and tourism. Belarusians brought their transformers, Uzbeks showed drones, and Russia presented everything else. The pavilions were bustling: artisanal pillows with embroidery, cosmetics, telemedicine devices. Some exhibits sold out faster than they could be displayed. This is a tangible effect of «new industrialization,» but for now, it primarily operates at the level of showcasing displays and prototypes.
Against this backdrop, the Prime Minister`s words that «we are open for dialogue» resonated particularly strongly. Because another topic remains truly closed — the timelines. More and more often at such forums, people say not «we have done it,» but «we plan to do it.» Not «delivered,» but «will be provided.»
