Hindustan Aeronautics signs historic deal with Russian company to manufacture SJ-100 aircraft in India

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russian aircraft manufacturer PJSC-UAC to manufacture the SJ-100 passenger aircraft in India. This is a major step towards strengthening India's aerospace manufacturing capabilities. This historic deal also has the distinction of being the first complete passenger aircraft to be manufactured in India since the end of production of the AVRO HS-748 in 1988.

It is a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft designed for regional connectivity. It is expected to give a major boost to India's UDAN project.

It is estimated that over 200 jets will be required for Indian regional connectivity in the next 10 years and 350 aircraft for the Indian Ocean region. The agreement gives HAL the right to manufacture the aircraft for domestic customers. This will help strengthen India's aerospace industry and contribute to the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

HAL signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Russia's Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) on 27 October 2025 in Moscow. The agreement was signed by Prabhat Ranjan on behalf of HAL and Oleg Bogomolov on behalf of PJSC-UAC. It was in the presence of Dr. D. K. Sunil, CMD, HAL, and Vadim Badeka, Director General, PJSC UAC.

About SJ-100
The SJ-100 is a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft designed for regional connectivity. Key features of the aircraft are:
Category- Twin-engine, Narrow-body
Currently over 200 aircraft
Over 16 commercial airlines operate the aircraft
Primary use- Short-haul connectivity

The venture is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity under India's UDAN scheme. The SJ-100 is likely to be a game changer for short-haul routes. It will cater to the growing demand for regional air travel in India.

Market potential
As per the MoU, HAL will have the right to manufacture the SJ-100 aircraft for domestic customers. The collaboration is expected to:
Strengthen the private sector in the aerospace industry in India.
Create direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Contribute to the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative in the civil aviation sector.

Historical significance
This deal is a significant milestone in the history of Indian aviation. It is the first full-scale passenger aircraft to be manufactured in India since the AVRO HS-748, which was manufactured from 1961 to 1988. This collaboration between HAL and UAC is based on mutual trust. It aims to enhance India's position in the global aerospace manufacturing arena.

As India's aviation sector grows, the production of the SJ-100 aircraft is set to play a key role in meeting the growing demand for regional connectivity and building domestic manufacturing capacity in the aerospace sector.