HAL and Russia’s UAC Sign MoU to Jointly Produce SJ-100 Passenger Aircraft in India

On 28 October, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Moscow to jointly produce the SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft in India.

Key Points:

• About the SJ-100 Aircraft:
  • A twin-engine, narrow-body passenger jet designed for short- to medium-haul routes.
  • In service: Operated by 16+ commercial airlines worldwide.
  • Production so far: Over 200 units manufactured globally.
• Significance of the Partnership:
  • Represents the first complete passenger aircraft production in India since the AVRO HS-748 programme (1961–1988).
  • Strengthens the India–Russia aerospace cooperation, a relationship with a long history in military aviation now extending into civil aircraft manufacturing.
  • The collaboration aligns with India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives in the aviation sector.
• Domestic and Regional Demand:
  • India’s domestic aviation demand is projected to exceed 200 jets over the next decade.
  • An additional 350 aircraft are expected to serve the Indian Ocean region and nearby international tourist destinations.
• Role of HAL:
  • HAL will manufacture the SJ-100 aircraft for the Indian domestic market.
  • The project aims to enhance short-haul connectivity under the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.
• Strategic Importance:
  • Boosts indigenous manufacturing capacity in the civil aviation sector.
  • Promotes technology transfer and aerospace ecosystem development.
  • Supports India’s goal of becoming a regional hub for aircraft assembly and maintenance.

Source: DD News