In a significant move toward self-reliance in civil aviation, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) for the production of SJ‑100 civil commuter aircraft in India. The SJ‑100, also known as the Sukhoi Superjet 100, is a twin-engine regional passenger aircraft ideally suited for short-haul connectivity across India.
Details of the MoU
- The MoU, signed on 27 October 2025, formalises a partnership between HAL and UAC to manufacture the SJ‑100 within India.
- The agreement allows HAL to locally produce the aircraft for Indian airlines and regional operators, aligning with India’s growing demand for regional air connectivity under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.
- The Defence Minister described the move as a “game-changer” for short-haul air travel and hailed it as a milestone towards ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in civil aviation.
Significance of the SJ‑100 Deal
This MoU has wide-ranging implications for India’s economy, aviation industry, and global aerospace partnerships,
Boost to Regional Connectivity
- The SJ‑100 aircraft is designed for short regional routes, making it ideal for servicing tier-2 and tier-3 cities under government schemes like UDAN.
- The aircraft is expected to support affordable and accessible air travel, reduce logistical bottlenecks, and promote balanced regional development.
Aatmanirbhar Push in Civil Aviation
- The initiative brings India a step closer to realising its goal of self-sufficiency in manufacturing civilian aircraft.
- Unlike military aircraft, India has not produced full-fledged passenger jets domestically—this MoU aims to bridge that gap.
Industrial & Employment Growth
- Manufacturing the SJ‑100 in India will expand the aviation industrial base, provide a platform for skill development, and create direct and indirect jobs in assembly, components, and allied services.
- It also encourages private sector participation in high-tech manufacturing.
Static Takeaways
- MoU signed between HAL (India) and UAC (Russia) on 27 October 2025.
- Aircraft type: SJ‑100 (Sukhoi Superjet 100) — a civil commuter aircraft.
- Purpose: Production in India for short-haul domestic connectivity.
- Aligns with: UDAN Scheme and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- First complete passenger aircraft to be made in India in decades.
- Aircraft role: Boost short-haul regional connectivity across India.