Now Russian civil aircraft SJ-100 will be made in India also: It can prove to be a game-changer for the country, currently 90% of the planes are imported.

Russia’s SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft will now be manufactured in India as well. For this, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has signed an MoU with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC). This can prove to be a game-changer in providing air connectivity to small cities.

This MoU was signed on Tuesday, 28 October 2025 in Moscow. Prabhat Ranjan of HAL and Oleg Bogomolov of PJSC-UAC signed it. This happened in the presence of HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil and PJSC-UAC Director General Vadim Badeka.

The last time a project to build a complete passenger aircraft in India ran from 1961 to 1988. The name of this project of HAL was AVRO HS748. After that we learned to depend on imports. But now, this tie-up with Russia can reduce India’s import dependence.

Background of HAL and PJSC-UAC

• HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited): It is an Indian government company, which mostly manufactures military aircraft – like Tejas fighter jet. But now it is taking entry in civil aviation. HAL says that this MoU is part of their “diversification”.
• PJSC-UAC (Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation): Russia’s state-owned aerospace giant manufactures military and civil planes. He has complete technology and experience of SJ-100. UAC has produced 200+ SJ-100 planes, flying with 16+ commercial airline operators.

This partnership takes the long-standing Russia-India defense tie-up into the civil sector. HAL will get the “rights” to make SJ-100, which means local production can start in India.

SJ-100 aircraft: twin-engine, narrow-body commuter plane

This plane is perfect for short routes which can carry 75-100 passengers. It has been designed to perform short-haul flights i.e., traveling distances of 100-500 km. It is already successful in Russia. Its 200+ units have been made, and many airlines are using it.

Benefits for India: Game-changer for UDAN scheme

HAL says, “SJ-100 will prove to be a game-changer for the UDAN scheme.” This plane is fuel efficient, and local production will reduce costs. Under the UDAN i.e. Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik scheme, small cities like Gorakhpur, Deoghar or Port Blair are being connected.

• Regional Connectivity: India needs 200+ such jets in the next 10 years. 100+ new airports are being built under the UDAN scheme. SJ-100 will become their lifeline.
• Jobs and Skills: Thousands of jobs will be created through local manufacturing. Engineers, technicians, and supply chain will get a boost.
• Less dependence on imports: Currently India imports 90% of the planes. This MoU will increase self-reliance. This can be called a perfect example of “Make in India”.
• International Reach: There is a demand for 350+ aircraft for the Indian Ocean Region. SJ-100 can connect tourist destinations like Maldives or Sri Lanka.

HAL CMD DK Sunil said, “This MoU will give a new direction to India’s civil aviation.” Russia’s UAC DG Vadim Badayka described it as a “strategic partnership”.

Financial and technical details

Financial details have not been revealed yet, but it is estimated that the production cost of SJ-100 will be 20-25 million dollars per unit. Russia will provide support to HAL for design, engine, and assembly.

Production Roadmap

• Short-term: After the MoU, a joint working group will be formed. Prototype testing and certification could happen in 1-2 years.
• Long-term: The target is to produce 200+ SJ-100 in the next 10 years. These can be exported not only to India but also to Asia-Africa markets.

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