SJ-100 Aircraft To Be Made In India: HAL-UAC Partnership Ushers In New Era For Indian Aviation

📰 News in Short (60 words)

India is set to produce passenger aircraft locally for the first time in decades. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an agreement with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to manufacture the SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft in India. The deal, signed in Moscow on October 27, 2025, marks a major step toward ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in aviation.

📰 News in Detail

The Eastern Times | October 28, 2025

The global passenger aircraft industry has long been dominated by Airbus and Boeing, but India is now preparing to make its mark. In a historic development, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an agreement with Russia’s Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) to produce civil commuter aircraft SJ-100 in India. The agreement was officially signed in Moscow on October 27, 2025.

What is the SJ-100?

The SJ-100 is a twin-engine, narrow-body passenger aircraft, known for its reliability and efficiency. Over 200 SJ-100 aircraft have already been manufactured and are in service with more than 16 global airline operators.

In India, the aircraft is expected to transform short-distance connectivity under the UDAN Scheme, making air travel more accessible and affordable. Under this collaboration, HAL will hold manufacturing rights for SJ-100 aircraft intended for Indian customers.

India’s Growing Aviation Needs

According to aviation experts, India will require over 200 jets in this category within the next decade to strengthen regional connectivity. Additionally, around 350 more aircraft will be needed to serve nearby international routes across the Indian Ocean region, linking India with emerging tourist destinations.

“This collaboration between HAL and UAC is built on mutual trust and marks a historic milestone — the first full-scale passenger aircraft manufacturing in India after the AVRO HS-748 project (1961–1988),” HAL said in its statement.

A New Era for Indian Aviation

This partnership opens a new chapter in India’s aviation history, paving the way for self-reliance in passenger aircraft production. It supports the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ mission, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing, attract private investment, and create thousands of jobs within the aviation sector.

The initiative not only strengthens India’s technological and industrial capabilities but also enhances its standing as a future player in the global aircraft manufacturing market.

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