New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Russian public joint-stock company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the production of the SJ-100, a passenger aircraft, for the first time in India.
According to a press release from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the agreement was signed in Moscow on Monday. Sharing details of the signing, HAL said, “HAL and the public joint-stock company United Aircraft Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the production of the SJ-100 civilian commuter aircraft in Moscow, Russia, on October 27, 2025.”
The press release states, “The SJ-100 is a dual-engine, narrow-body aircraft currently in operation with more than 16 commercial airline operators. More than 200 such aircraft have already been produced.”
SJ-100 Manufacturing Rights
The company stated that under the new arrangement, HAL will have the right to manufacture the SJ-100 for domestic customers in India, which is considered crucial to enhancing short-haul connectivity under the government’s UDAN scheme. This collaboration represents the first production of a complete passenger aircraft in India since the AVRO HS-748 project, which began in 1961 and ended in 1988.
Helping to Meet Requirements
According to the release, the partnership between HAL and UAC reflects the mutual trust between the two organizations developed over years of collaboration on aerospace projects. This initiative is expected to help meet India’s growing aviation needs.
Industry estimates indicate that over the next decade, the country will need more than 200 jet aircraft of this class to strengthen regional connectivity, as well as an additional 350 aircraft to meet the needs of international tourist routes in the Indian Ocean region and surrounding areas.
The beginning of a new chapter
The release said, “The production of the SJ-100 aircraft marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Indian aviation industry. It is a step towards fulfilling the dream of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the civil aviation sector.” HAL said the project is expected to boost local manufacturing, provide opportunities for private industry participation, and generate both direct and indirect employment across the aviation value chain.
