Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has inked a path-breaking deal with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to manufacture the Sukhoi Superjet 100—renamed SJ-100—in India. Signed in Moscow in October 2025, the MoU marks India’s return to civil aircraft production after nearly four decades. The 75–100 seat regional jet, built at HAL’s Nashik facility, will cater to Indian carriers under the UDAN scheme, boosting affordable regional air travel.
HAL will also co-produce the Ilyushin Il-114-300 turboprop, designed for short runways in India’s interiors. These moves directly challenge the decades-long dominance of Airbus and Boeing, who have been slow to localise production despite India’s booming aviation market.
The upgraded SJ-100 features Russian PD-8 engines, a 3,500 km range, and advanced fly-by-wire systems. With government incentives covering up to 40% of costs, its estimated price of $25–30 million makes it an appealing option for low-cost airlines.
IndiGo is reportedly exploring a 50-aircraft pilot order, which could generate 5,000 job opportunities. This initiative demonstrates India’s strategic aim to achieve aviation self-reliance, diversify partnerships with nations like Brazil, and ultimately build a robust, indigenous ecosystem that reduces dependence on Western aerospace powers.
