Finance
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russia’s Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) to produce SJ-100 civil passenger aircraft. The accord, signed on October 27 in Moscow, represents a significant step forward in India’s aviation sector. According to HAL, the MoU was signed by Prabhat Ranjan of HAL and Oleg Bogomolov of PJSC-UAC in the presence of Dr. DK Sunil, HAL Chairman and Managing Director, and Vadim Badekha, UAC Director General.
The agreement intends to strengthen India’s competence in passenger aircraft manufacture, which is regarded as crucial for the country’s aviation industry.
First passenger aircraft to be produced in India since 1988
HAL said that the SJ-100 project will be a major milestone as it marks the first time a complete passenger aircraft will be manufactured in India since the Avro HS-748 project, which ended in 1988. The company described the SJ-100 as a potential “game-changer” for short-haul connectivity under the government’s UDAN scheme.
Under this agreement, HAL will have the rights to manufacture the SJ-100 for Indian customers, contributing to the goal of improving regional air connectivity across smaller cities.
About the SJ-100 aircraft
The SJ-100 is a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft intended for short-haul flights. More than 200 of these planes have already been constructed and are in service with more than 16 commercial airlines throughout the world. The plane can transport 103 passengers and has a flight range of about 3,530 kilometers.
It is noted for its cheap running costs and ability to function efficiently in a wide range of temperatures, from -55°C to 45°C.
India-Russia partnership
The MoU was signed ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to India in December 2025 for the India-Russia Annual Summit. The pact underscores the two countries’ strong strategic and economic relations, despite ongoing global geopolitical challenges.
The alliance also comes at a time when India is deepening its ties with Russia, despite increased US pressure and tariffs related to India’s continuous purchases of Russian oil.
Source: InTv
