India and Russia Team Up to Build SJ-100 Aircraft Locally

India and Russia join hands to manufacture SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft in India under a new HAL–UAC partnership. The deal marks India’s return to passenger aircraft production and supports regional air connectivity under the UDAN scheme.

New Delhi: India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) have signed a major agreement under which the SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft will now be manufactured in India.

This agreement was signed in Moscow on October 28, 2025. This deal is considered a historic step for India's civil aviation industry as it will enable India to resume the manufacturing of passenger aircraft.

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Return of Passenger Aircraft Manufacturing in India

The last time a complete passenger aircraft was manufactured in India was between 1961 and 1988, which was the AVRO HS748. After that, India mostly purchased aircraft from abroad.

Now, this new collaboration with Russia will once again lead India towards the local production of its own aircraft.

What is the SJ-100?

The SJ-100 is a twin-engine narrow-body aircraft that can carry 75-100 passengers. It is specially designed for short-haul flights (100-500 kilometers). It is already successful in Russia, and more than 200 SJ-100 aircraft have already been manufactured and are flying with over 16 airlines.

How will India benefit?

1. Connectivity for Smaller Cities: This aircraft will prove to be a game-changer for India's UDAN scheme, which aims to connect the country's smaller cities to the air network.

2. Boost to "Make in India": Local production will reduce India's import dependence and make the country self-reliant.

3. Employment Opportunities: This project will create thousands of jobs for engineers, technicians, and supply chain workers.

4. Regional and International Expansion: The SJ-100 aircraft can be exported not only to India but also to markets in South Asia and Africa. Technical and Financial Aspects

Precise cost details are not yet available, but estimates suggest that one aircraft will cost approximately $20-25 million. Russia will provide HAL with technical assistance in design, engines, and assembly.

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The goal is to manufacture more than 200 SJ-100 aircraft in India over the next 10 years. This partnership with Russia could prove to be a milestone for India's aviation industry.

It will not only give a new direction to "Make in India" but also bring the country's smaller cities onto the air map.
The SJ-100 project is poised to take India's civil aviation to new heights.