HAL and Russia’s UAC Sign MoU for Domestic Production of SJ-100 Civil Aircraft
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to manufacture the SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft in India. The SJ-100 is a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft designed for short-haul flights. Under this agreement, HAL will have the rights to produce the aircraft for domestic customers, which is expected to significantly boost regional connectivity under the government's UDAN scheme. This collaboration marks a major step toward indigenous production of complete passenger aircraft in India, a feat not attempted since the AVRO HS-748 project ended in 1988.
Key Points
- The SJ-100 is intended to meet the growing demand for regional connectivity, with an estimated requirement of over 200 such jets in India.
- The project will strengthen the private sector and create numerous direct and indirect jobs in the aviation industry.
- This is the first instance of a complete passenger aircraft being produced in India through a foreign collaboration in decades.
- The aircraft is already operated by more than 16 commercial airline operators globally.
Exam Facts
- SJ-100 is a twin-engine, narrow-body civil commuter aircraft.
- UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) is the regional airport development and connectivity scheme.
- The MoU was signed in Moscow between HAL and Russia's UAC.
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