RuAviation

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to localize production of the Russian SJ-100 regional jet in India. The signing ceremony took place in Moscow, with HAL’s Prabhat Ranjan and UAC’s Oleg Bogomolov signing the document in the presence of HAL Chairman D.K. Sunil and UAC CEO Vadim Badekha, according to a report by India News.

The SJ-100 is a twin-engine, single-aisle regional jet seating around 100 passengers, offering a range between 2,200 and 2,600 nautical miles (3,500–4,200 km). Under the agreement, HAL will obtain production rights for the Indian domestic market and potential exports. The initiative marks India’s return to full-scale civil aircraft manufacturing for the first time in more than three decades, following the conclusion of the AVRO HS748 program in 1988.

India’s regional aviation market is projected to require more than 200 aircraft over the next decade, with additional demand for about 350 aircraft serving short international routes across the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. The government’s UDAN (“Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik”) program, which subsidizes short-haul and underserved routes, provides an additional incentive for the SJ-100’s production in India.

According to aviation analyst and MelonAero Consulting President Oleg Evdokimov, the SJ-100 fits perfectly into India’s underserved regional segment. “It’s neither too large nor too small — ideal for city-to-city routes across India. The key challenges will be adapting the aircraft to DGCA standards and localizing the supply chain. If HAL manages to tailor the jet to Indian operational conditions, this could be a genuine step toward an indigenous regional aviation capability,” he noted.

Evdokimov emphasized that the aircraft has already proven itself in service: the original SSJ100 has been operating in Russia since 2011, logging hundreds of thousands of flight hours in both civil and government fleets, including the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM). “The SSJ100 has demonstrated strong reliability, modern avionics, a comfortable cabin, and solid range. The import-substituted version ensures that production in India won’t be hostage to Western export restrictions,” he added.

Given ongoing Western export limitations, both UAC and HAL will need to carefully plan the program’s industrial rollout. Experts estimate that preparing the production line, training personnel, and securing necessary certifications will take three to five years. Initial assembly may begin earlier, using airframe kits supplied from Russia.

Andrey Velichko, editor-in-chief of Aviation of Russia, believes the timing of the MoU reflects Russia’s current geopolitical focus on deepening cooperation with the Global South. “For India, the SJ-100 aligns with the ‘Make in India’ strategy and supports the country’s ambition to expand its domestic aerospace manufacturing base. The aircraft’s proven technological resilience and adaptability to regional requirements make it appealing both for India’s domestic market and for export opportunities,” Velichko said.

Indian media outlets have described the program as a potential turning point for the nation’s regional aviation sector. HAL representatives note that revitalizing domestic civil aircraft production opens up new opportunities to strengthen the internal market, reduce import dependency, and boost export capabilities.

The HAL–UAC partnership lays the groundwork for long-term cooperation in civil aviation, integrating Russian technology with India’s manufacturing capabilities. The first India-built SJ-100 is expected no earlier than 2027, with full-scale production and potential export deliveries anticipated toward the end of the decade.

“It’s encouraging that this isn’t just about purchasing aircraft but about real manufacturing,” Evdokimov concluded. “That means local assembly, engineering expertise, and potentially even export prospects. It will be interesting to watch how this project unfolds.”

Note:
DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) is India’s chief civil aviation regulator responsible for flight safety standards, pilot training, air traffic operations, and aircraft maintenance oversight.