In a major boost to India’s civil aviation ambitions, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly produce the SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft in India. The agreement, signed in Moscow on October 27, 2025, marks India’s return to full-scale passenger aircraft manufacturing after nearly four decades — a milestone hailed as a “historic step” toward self-reliance and technological advancement.
India’s First Passenger Jet Production Since the AVRO Era
Under the agreement, HAL will hold exclusive manufacturing rights for the SJ-100 in India, targeting domestic and regional markets. This development represents India’s first major passenger aircraft production effort since the AVRO HS-748, which was manufactured between 1961 and 1988. HAL described the collaboration as a testament to mutual trust between India and Russia and a “new chapter” in the country’s aviation journey.
SJ-100 to Power India’s UDAN and Regional Connectivity
The SJ-100 is a twin-engine, narrow-body jet already in service with over 200 aircraft operating across 16 airlines globally. HAL plans to adapt the aircraft for short-haul regional routes under the Government of India’s UDAN Scheme, aimed at boosting air connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
According to HAL estimates, India will require more than 200 jets in this category within the next decade, alongside 350 additional aircraft for routes across South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.
‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ Takes Flight
The project strongly aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, advancing domestic capabilities in civil aircraft production. HAL stated that the initiative will:
- Generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs
- Boost India’s aerospace and MSME supply chain
- Reduce dependence on foreign aircraft imports
- Position India as a regional hub for manufacturing and maintenance
Exam-Oriented Facts
- Aircraft Model: SJ-100 (Twin-engine, narrow-body civil jet)
- Developed by: United Aircraft Corporation (Russia)
- Indian Partner: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- MoU Signed: October 27, 2025, in Moscow
- Previous Indian passenger aircraft: AVRO HS-748 (1961–1988)
- Supports: UDAN Scheme & Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Leadership Reactions
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the MoU as a “landmark step” in India’s civil aviation journey, highlighting its significance for self-reliance, employment generation, and industrial growth. He noted that the SJ-100 project would revive India’s passenger aircraft manufacturing after decades and mark a transformative leap for the nation’s aviation sector.
With this collaboration, India takes a decisive step toward becoming a global hub for affordable regional aviation, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, partnership, and self-reliance in high-technology industries.
