Bengaluru/Moscow: In a major boost to India’s civil aviation industry, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC), Russia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the production of the SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft in India. The agreement was inked in Moscow on October 27, 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in passenger aircraft manufacturing.
A Step Toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in Aviation
Under this MoU, HAL will have the rights to manufacture SJ-100 aircraft for domestic customers. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, promoting indigenous production in the civil aviation sector. The SJ-100, a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft, has already proven its reliability, with more than 200 aircraft produced and operated by over 16 commercial airline operators globally.
The aircraft is expected to become a game changer for short-haul connectivity under the UDAN Scheme, enhancing regional air travel and linking smaller cities to major hubs across India.
Expanding India’s Aviation Footprint
The collaboration signifies the first full-scale passenger aircraft production in India since HAL’s AVRO HS-748 project, which ran from 1961 to 1988. Industry projections indicate a demand for over 200 jets in this category within India over the next decade, in addition to 350 aircraft for the Indian Ocean region — supporting connectivity to nearby international tourist destinations.
The manufacturing of the SJ-100 in India will not only strengthen domestic aviation infrastructure but also create significant employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, across the aerospace ecosystem.
Strengthening India-Russia Partnership
The MoU is a testament to the long-standing partnership and mutual trust between HAL and UAC. The signing ceremony saw participation from Prabhat Ranjan (HAL) and Mr. Oleg Bogomolov (PJSC UAC), in the presence of Dr. D. K. Sunil, CMD, HAL, and Mr. Vadim Badekha, Director General, PJSC UAC.
This collaboration marks a new era of technological cooperation between India and Russia in the civil aviation sector, extending beyond defense and into commercial aviation.
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), headquartered in Bengaluru, is India’s premier aerospace and defense Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). Established in 1940, HAL has been instrumental in designing, manufacturing, and maintaining aircraft, helicopters, engines, and avionics for both defense and civilian purposes. The company’s legacy includes projects like the HF-24 Marut, Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, and Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
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