HAL Enters MoU with Russia for Production of SJ-100 Civil Jet

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier aerospace and defense manufacturer, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia’s Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) for the production of SJ-100 civil jets. The MoU was signed on October 27, 2025, in Moscow, marking a significant step in India-Russia civil aviation collaboration. PJSC-UAC is a Russian government-backed entity that designs and manufactures civil and military aircraft, and it serves as a central organization for Russia’s aerospace industry. The partnership is intended to combine HAL’s established manufacturing capabilities with Russia’s advanced expertise in civil aviation, particularly in the design and production of the SJ-100 regional jet.

The SJ-100, also known as the Superjet 100, is a modern regional jet designed for short to medium-haul routes. The aircraft is valued for its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and advanced avionics systems, making it a competitive option in the civil aviation market. By entering into this MoU, HAL aims to acquire technology, knowledge, and best practices associated with the production of these jets, thereby enhancing India’s domestic aerospace capabilities. The partnership is expected to involve transfer of technology, production of certain components in India, and potential assembly of the aircraft domestically under HAL’s supervision.

The MoU signifies more than just a commercial agreement; it represents a strategic collaboration in aerospace technology and industrial development. India has been aiming to strengthen its civil aviation manufacturing sector, reduce dependency on imports, and increase the presence of domestic players in the global aviation market. Collaborating with Russia allows HAL to leverage decades of Russian expertise in regional jet design and operation, while also creating opportunities for Indian engineers and technicians to gain experience in cutting-edge aerospace manufacturing. Such collaborations are also likely to contribute to India’s broader “Make in India” initiative, which emphasizes self-reliance in defense and aerospace production.

From a geopolitical perspective, the MoU strengthens India-Russia ties in the aerospace and defense sectors. Historically, Russia has been a key partner for India in military aviation, and this civil aviation collaboration expands the scope of the bilateral relationship into commercial aerospace. The deal also aligns with India’s objective to diversify its sources of technology and to build capacity for domestic civil aviation projects that can meet growing domestic and regional demand. As regional air travel increases in India and South Asia, having the ability to assemble and maintain regional jets domestically could also lower operational costs for Indian airlines and create a pool of skilled aerospace professionals.

The MoU, while currently non-binding, lays the groundwork for detailed agreements regarding production timelines, investment structures, and potential joint ventures. HAL and PJSC-UAC will likely explore areas such as component manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, training, and certification processes. Over time, this partnership could also pave the way for India to export SJ-100 aircraft or components to other countries, further integrating the Indian aerospace industry into the global supply chain.

In summary, the HAL–PJSC-UAC MoU represents a landmark development in India’s civil aviation sector. By combining HAL’s manufacturing expertise with Russia’s technological prowess in regional jets, the agreement promises to enhance domestic aerospace capabilities, promote technology transfer, and strengthen India-Russia industrial ties. It is expected to contribute significantly to India’s civil aviation infrastructure, workforce development, and long-term strategic goals in aerospace manufacturing.