### India and Russia Forge Historic Partnership to Manufacture SJ-100 Passenger Jet In a significant development for India's aviation sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to manufacture the SJ-100 regional jet in India. This agreement, signed in Moscow on October 27, 2025, marks the first full-scale production of a passenger aircraft in India since the AVRO HS-748 project, which concluded in 1988. The initiative aligns with India's ambition to become a major player in the global aerospace industry and supports the 'Make in India' initiative aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities in various sectors, including aviation [https://stratpost.com/hal-uac-agree-to-build-sj-100-jet-in-india][https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/10/29/hal-and-russia-uac-to-build-passenger-jet-in-india]. ### Overview of the Agreement and Its Implications 1. **Partnership Details**: - HAL and UAC will collaborate to produce the SJ-100, a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft, specifically for the Indian market under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) regional connectivity scheme [https://www.financialexpress.com/business/industry-boost-for-make-in-india-hal-to-build-sj-100-passenger-planes-inks-mou-with-russias-uac-4023771]. 2. **Strategic Importance**: - This MoU is seen as a landmark step in enhancing India's civil aviation capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing, which have dominated the market [https://news.az/news/india-partners-with-russian-firm-to-produce-passenger-aircraft]. 3. **Economic Impact**: - The project is expected to create direct and indirect employment opportunities in the aviation sector, contributing to the local economy and supporting the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative [https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/hal-to-make-russias-sj-100-aircraft-in-india-in-boost-for-regional-aviation-101761639377487.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Historical Context**: - The last major passenger aircraft produced in India was the AVRO HS-748, which was manufactured from 1961 to 1988. The SJ-100 project represents a revival of indigenous aircraft manufacturing in India [https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Oct/28/hal-russia-sign-mou-for-production-of-passenger-aircraft-in-india]. - **Aircraft Specifications**: - The SJ-100 is a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft, with over 200 units already produced and operated by various airlines globally [https://www.financialexpress.com/business/industry-boost-for-make-in-india-hal-to-build-sj-100-passenger-planes-inks-mou-with-russias-uac-4023771]. ### Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Indian Aviation The collaboration between HAL and UAC to manufacture the SJ-100 passenger aircraft in India is poised to be a transformative development for the country's aviation industry. 1. **Strategic Partnership**: 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 expected to enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth through job creation and increased domestic production capabilities. 3. **Future Prospects**: As India aims to become a hub for aerospace manufacturing, the successful implementation of this project could pave the way for further collaborations and advancements in the aviation sector [https://www.firstpost.com/india/hal-russias-uac-ink-landmark-deal-for-full-scale-civil-aircraft-production-in-india-13945691.html][https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/hal-to-make-russias-sj-100-aircraft-in-india-in-boost-for-regional-aviation-101761639377487.html].