Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) Russia signed an MoU to produce civil commuter aircraft SJ-100 in Moscow. The agreement grants HAL the rights to manufacture the SJ-100 aircraft for domestic customers. The SJ-100, a twin-engine narrow-body aircraft, aims to transform short-haul connectivity in India.
Strategic Partnership for Aircraft Manufacturing
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has formalized a strategic alliance with Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) of Russia, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on the production of SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft. The signing ceremony took place in Moscow on October 27, 2025. The MoU signifies a major step towards indigenous aircraft manufacturing and strengthening the aviation sector in India.
SJ-100: A Game Changer for Regional Connectivity
The SJ-100 aircraft is a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft that has already seen production of over 200 units and is operated by more than 16 commercial airlines. This aircraft is positioned as a potential game-changer for enhancing short-haul connectivity, particularly under the UDAN scheme in India. The agreement enables HAL to manufacture the SJ-100 aircraft specifically for domestic customers, boosting local production capabilities.
Boosting Domestic Aviation Manufacturing
This collaboration marks a significant milestone as it represents the first instance of a complete passenger aircraft being produced in India. The initiative aims to support the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision by strengthening the civil aviation sector and creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities within the industry. It is projected that the Indian aviation sector will require over 200 jets in this category over the next decade for regional connectivity and an additional 350 aircraft for the Indian Ocean region.
Source: BSE
