In a historic pivot toward civil aviation, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) signed a definitive contract on January 28, 2026, to manufacture the SJ-100 regional passenger jet in India.
The deal, finalized at the Wings India 2026 exhibition in Hyderabad, marks India’s most ambitious return to passenger aircraft production since the Avro HS-748 project in the late 1980s.
1. The Roadmap: “Lease Now, Build Later”
HAL Chairman DK Sunil outlined a phased strategy to ensure the aircraft hits Indian skies before the local factory is even fully operational.
- Immediate Phase (2026–2027): HAL plans to lease 10 to 20 SJ-100 jets directly from Russia in “flyaway” condition. This allows Indian airlines to begin operations and training immediately.
- Assembly Phase (3-Year Goal): HAL aims to roll out the first semi-knocked-down (SKD) aircraft from its existing facilities within three years (by January 2029).
- Full Manufacturing: Over the next decade, HAL plans to achieve deeper localization, manufacturing components and spare parts under a full license.
2. Strategic Production Hubs
Rather than building a new “greenfield” factory, HAL will leverage its massive defense infrastructure to save costs and time:
- Nashik (Maharashtra): This will serve as the Final Assembly Line (FAL). The facility, which currently produces Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, is already “aerospace-ready.”
- Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh): Will focus on structures and airframe components.
- Bengaluru & Tumakuru: Will handle avionics, systems, and accessories.
3. Technical Specifications: The “Import-Independent” Jet
The SJ-100 being brought to India is the “Russified” version, designed to be entirely free of Western components to avoid sanction-related supply chain risks.
| Feature | SJ-100 Capability |
| Capacity | 87 to 108 passengers (Optimized for regional routes). |
| Engine | Twin PD-8 turbofans (Russian-made, replacing Franco-Russian SaM146). |
| Range | Approximately 3,000 km to 3,500 km. |
| Operating Limits | Rated for extreme climates (–55°C to +45°C). |
| Avionics | Full glass cockpit with CAT IIIA autoland capability. |
4. Why It Matters for India’s Civil Aviation
HAL targets a 25% revenue share from civil aviation within the next decade, up from just 5% today.
- UDAN Scheme Support: The 100-seat capacity is perfect for the government’s regional connectivity scheme, linking Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities where larger Boeing/Airbus planes are inefficient.
- Market Demand: HAL estimates a demand for 200+ regional jets in India alone, with an additional 350+ required across the Indian Ocean Region (Maldives, Sri Lanka, etc.).
- Breaking the Duopoly: Local production provides Indian carriers an affordable, sanctioned-proof alternative to the long waitlists of Western manufacturers.
Conclusion: A “Game-Changer” for Regional Travel
The HAL-Russia partnership is more than just an industrial deal; it is a test case for India’s ability to transition from a defense giant into a commercial aerospace hub. If successful, the SJ-100 could become the backbone of India’s domestic connectivity, proving that “Make in India” can extend from the battlefield to the boarding gate.
