India and Russia Partner to Manufacture SJ-100 Aircraft: A Milestone for Indian Aviation Industry

In a landmark development, India and Russia have solidified a collaborative agreement to manufacture a twin-engine narrow-body passenger aircraft designed for short-haul flights, further cementing the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), India's premier state-run aerospace company, has entered into an agreement with Russia's Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) to produce the SJ-100 aircraft. The official agreement was signed in Moscow on Monday.

This initiative represents a historic milestone as the first project to manufacture a passenger aircraft in India. Currently, over 200 SJ-100 aircraft have been produced globally and are in operation with more than 16 commercial airline operators.

HAL stated, "SJ-100 will be the game changer for short-haul connectivity under the UDAN scheme in India. Under this arrangement, HAL will have the rights to manufacture SJ-100 aircraft for domestic customers."

The agreement was signed with HAL's Chairman and Managing Director, DK Sunil, and PJSC-UAC Director General Vadim Badekha present at the ceremony.

The UDAN scheme is designed to enhance regional air connectivity throughout India. According to HAL, the production of SJ-100 aircraft in India will inaugurate a "new chapter" in the history of the Indian aviation industry.

"It's a step towards fulfilling the dream of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) in the civil aviation sector," HAL announced.

The company further emphasized that this manufacturing venture will strengthen the private sector and generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities in the aviation industry.

"It is estimated that over the next 10 years, the Indian aviation sector will require over 200 jets in this category for regional connectivity and an additional 350 aircraft for the Indian Ocean region to serve nearby international tourist destinations," HAL projected.

"This collaboration between HAL and UAC is the result of mutual trust between the organizations. This will also be the first instance wherein a complete passenger aircraft will be produced in India," HAL explained.

"The last such project was HAL's production of AVRO HS-748, which started in 1961 and ended in 1988," the company added, referring to the aircraft previously used by the Indian Air Force.