HAL and UAC Unite to Launch Passenger Aircraft Production in India

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation have inked a deal to manufacture the SJ-100 passenger aircraft in India, marking a significant milestone in domestic aviation industry. This collaboration aims to bolster short-haul connectivity under India's UDAN scheme and signifies progress towards self-reliance in civil aviation.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia's Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to produce the SJ-100 passenger aircraft in India for the first time. The agreement was formalized in Moscow on Monday, as confirmed by HAL's press release.

According to HAL's announcement shared on X, the MoU was signed on October 27, 2025, marking a significant step in the bilateral aerospace collaboration. The twin-engine, narrow-body SJ-100 aircraft, currently operated by over 16 commercial airlines, has seen more than 200 units produced so far.

The partnership allows HAL to manufacture the SJ-100 for India's domestic market, supporting the government's UDAN scheme to enhance regional connectivity. This marks the first complete passenger aircraft production in India since the AVRO HS-748 project, reflecting a deep-rooted trust in HAL-UAC collaborations to meet soaring aviation needs with expected requirements over the next decade.

This initiative is hailed as a milestone in India's aviation history, bolstering the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision. HAL projects significant opportunities for local manufacturing, private sector involvement, and substantial job creation throughout the aviation ecosystem. Industry forecasts indicate the need for over 200 such jets domestically and an additional 350 for regional and tourist routes.

(With inputs from agencies.)