New Delhi, January 29, 2026 – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier state-owned aerospace and defense enterprise, has announced a significant collaboration with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to introduce the Superjet 100 (SJ-100) regional aircraft into the Indian market. This initiative marks a deliberate expansion of HAL’s portfolio beyond its traditional military focus, aiming to capture a substantial share of the burgeoning civilian aviation industry.
The SJ-100, a twin-engine regional jet accommodating up to 100 passengers with a range of approximately 3,000 kilometers, incorporates advanced features such as fly-by-wire controls and a full glass cockpit. These attributes enable operations from short or semi-prepared runways, positioning the aircraft as an ideal solution for enhancing connectivity among India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities. HAL projects a domestic demand for 150-200 such aircraft in the foreseeable future, aligning with national programs like the UDAN scheme to promote regional air travel.
Under the licensing agreement formalized during the Wings India 2026 event in Hyderabad, HAL will manufacture, sell, and maintain the SJ-100, including its components and spare parts. The implementation strategy is structured in phases: initially, HAL plans to lease 10-20 fully assembled SJ-100 jets from Russia for assessment by Indian airlines, with the first deliveries anticipated within 18 months. Discussions are underway with leasing entities in Gujarat’s GIFT City to expedite this process. Following this, semi-knock-down assembly will commence at HAL’s facilities in Nashik and Kanpur, with the inaugural aircraft expected to roll out in three years. Full-scale deployment of this ‘Make in India’ civilian aircraft is targeted for 2029, representing India’s first indigenously produced passenger plane since the licensed Avro HS-748 models of the 1960s and 1970s.
This partnership signifies a revitalization of India-Russia aviation relations, particularly as India solidifies its status as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. HAL’s Chairman, DK Sunil, has underscored the emphasis on regional connectivity as a primary growth driver, with civilian platforms like the SJ-100 projected to constitute a major revenue stream within the next three to four years. Currently, civil aviation accounts for only 4-5% of HAL’s revenue, but the company aims to elevate this to 25% over the next decade.
By integrating Russia’s established technology with India’s manufacturing expertise, the venture promotes self-reliance in aircraft production, diminishes reliance on imports, and advances India’s aspiration to emerge as a global aviation hub. This development not only bolsters economic ties between the two nations but also contributes to the strategic diversification of HAL’s operations in a rapidly evolving sector.
