HAL Collaborates with Russia to Introduce SJ-100 Aircraft in India, Expanding into Civilian Aviation Sector
New Delhi, January 29, 2026 – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India's leading aerospace and defense company, has revealed a major collaboration with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to bring the Superjet 100 (SJ-100) regional aircraft to the Indian market. This strategic move aims to expand HAL's activities into the civilian aviation sector, moving beyond its traditional military focus to capitalize on the growing demand in this field.
The SJ-100 is a twin-engine regional jet capable of carrying up to 100 passengers over distances of around 3,000 kilometers. It features advanced fly-by-wire controls and a full glass cockpit, enabling operations on short or semi-prepared runways. This makes the aircraft particularly suitable for improving connectivity between India's tier-2 and tier-3 cities. HAL anticipates a domestic requirement for 150-200 of these jets in the near future, aligning with initiatives such as the UDAN scheme aimed at boosting regional air travel.
The licensing agreement, signed at the Wings India 2026 event in Hyderabad, allows HAL to manufacture, sell, and maintain the SJ-100, including its components and spare parts. The plan will be executed in phases: initially, HAL intends to lease 10-20 fully assembled SJ-100 jets from Russia for evaluation by Indian airlines, with first deliveries expected in 18 months. Efforts are being made to accelerate this through discussions with leasing companies in Gujarat's GIFT City. Subsequently, semi-knock-down assembly will begin at HAL's Nashik and Kanpur facilities, with the first aircraft anticipated to be completed in three years. Full-scale production of this 'Make in India' civilian aircraft is planned for 2029, marking India's first indigenously produced passenger plane since the Avro HS-748 models of the 1960s and 1970s.
This collaboration revitalizes aviation ties between India and Russia, supporting India's emergence as the world's third-largest domestic aviation market. HAL's Chairman, DK Sunil, highlighted the focus on regional connectivity as a key growth area, with civilian platforms like the SJ-100 expected to become significant revenue drivers in the next three to four years. Currently, civil aviation represents just 4-5% of HAL's revenue, but the company aims to increase this to 25% over the next decade.
The partnership combines Russian technology with Indian manufacturing capabilities, promoting self-sufficiency in aircraft production, reducing reliance on imports, and advancing India's goal of becoming a global aviation hub. This initiative not only strengthens economic ties between India and Russia but also supports the diversification of HAL's operations in a dynamic sector.
