### India and Russia Forge Historic Partnership to Manufacture Passenger Aircraft India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to manufacture the SJ-100 regional jet in India. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in India's aviation sector, as it represents the first full-scale production of a passenger aircraft in the country since 1988. The initiative aligns with India's ambition to become a major aerospace manufacturing hub and supports the government's 'Make in India' initiative, aimed at boosting domestic production and regional connectivity through the UDAN scheme [https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/10/29/hal-and-russia-uac-to-build-passenger-jet-in-india][https://www.financialexpress.com/business/industry-boost-for-make-in-india-hal-to-build-sj-100-passenger-planes-inks-mou-with-russias-uac-4023771]. ### Overview of the Agreement and Its Implications 1. **MoU Details**: The MoU was signed in Moscow on October 27, 2025, and grants HAL the rights to produce the twin-engine, narrow-body SJ-100 aircraft for Indian domestic customers [https://www.firstpost.com/india/hal-russias-uac-ink-landmark-deal-for-full-scale-civil-aircraft-production-in-india-13945691]. 2. **Historical Context**: This project is particularly significant as it is the first domestic passenger aircraft manufacturing initiative in nearly four decades, with the last being the AVRO HS-748, which ceased production in 1988 [https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Oct/28/hal-russia-sign-mou-for-production-of-passenger-aircraft-in-india]. 3. **Strategic Importance**: The collaboration is seen as a game-changer for India's civil aviation sector, enhancing regional connectivity and supporting the UDAN scheme, which aims to make air travel affordable and accessible to smaller cities [https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/hal-to-make-russias-sj-100-aircraft-in-india-in-boost-for-regional-aviation-101761639377487.html]. ### Supporting Data and Evidence - **Aircraft Specifications**: The SJ-100 is a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft, with over 200 units already produced and operated by more than 16 airlines globally [https://fortuneindia.com/business-news/hal-and-russias-uac-sign-mou-to-produce-narrow-body-aircraft-sj-100-for-udan-scheme/127743]. - **Economic Impact**: The project is expected to significantly boost India's aerospace manufacturing capabilities and contribute to the local economy by creating jobs and enhancing technological expertise [https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/business/news/hal-russia-uac-signs-mou-to-manufacture-sj100-civil-aircraft-in-india-for-udan-scheme-136274691.html]. ### Conclusion and Future Outlook In summary, the partnership between HAL and UAC to manufacture the SJ-100 aircraft in India is a landmark development for the country's aviation industry. 1. **Strategic Collaboration**: This agreement not only strengthens India-Russia ties but also positions India as a competitive player in the global aerospace market. 2. **Economic Growth**: The initiative is poised to enhance regional connectivity and support the 'Make in India' initiative, potentially transforming the landscape of domestic aviation [https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/hal-to-make-russias-sj-100-aircraft-in-india-in-boost-for-regional-aviation-101761639377487.html]. 3. **Long-term Vision**: As India continues to develop its aerospace capabilities, this project could serve as a model for future collaborations and innovations in the sector [https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/hal-russias-uac-join-hands-to-manufacture-sj-100-passenger-jet-in-india/article70211504.ece].