HAL and Russia UAC to Jointly Manufacture SJ-100 Passenger Jet in India

• In a major boost to India’s civil aviation ambitions, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) have signed an MoU to jointly manufacture the SJ-100 regional passenger jet in India. The agreement marks India’s return to passenger aircraft production after nearly four decades and aligns with the “Make in India” initiative.

Strategic Partnership

• The MoU was signed in Moscow by HAL’s Prabhat Ranjan and UAC’s Oleg Bogomolov , in the presence of HAL CMD D. K. Sunil and UAC Director General Vadim Badekha . The partnership reflects a strategic push to develop India’s indigenous civil aviation capabilities , with HAL expected to establish the production line domestically. This move represents a major shift for HAL, traditionally focused on defence aircraft manufacturing.

Production and Localisation

• Under the agreement, the SJ-100 will be produced in India with extensive technology transfer from Russia. The localisation process is expected to generate thousands of skilled jobs and strengthen India’s aerospace supply chain . This project marks HAL’s re-entry into civil aircraft manufacturing since the AVRO HS-748 project (1961–1988) .

SJ-100 and Market Relevance

• The SJ-100 is a twin-engine regional jet designed for short-haul routes and already operates with over 200 units globally . In India, the aircraft will play a key role in supporting the government’s UDAN scheme , which promotes affordable regional connectivity. HAL will have exclusive manufacturing rights for the Indian market.

Exam Key Facts

• MoU signed in October 2025 between HAL and Russia’s UAC.

• SJ-100 : Twin-engine, narrow-body regional passenger jet.

• First passenger aircraft project in India since AVRO HS-748 (ended in 1988).

• Supports UDAN scheme for regional air travel.

Reviving India’s Civil Aviation Manufacturing

The HAL-UAC collaboration is seen as a milestone in India’s aerospace self-reliance . It is expected to boost industrial partnerships, skill development, and technology integration while reinforcing strategic ties with Russia. The initiative marks a new chapter in India’s effort to emerge as a global aviation manufacturing hub .