NEW DELHI: India is set to produce its first fully indigenous passenger aircraft- the 100-seater twin-engine Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SJ-100). A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the local production of the SJ-100 was signed in Moscow between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).

The agreement comes at a time when the United States has imposed heavy tariffs on India for importing oil from Russia. It is also notable that the MoU involves a Russian public joint-stock company that is currently under US sanctions following the war in Ukraine. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 will be used for domestic passenger services, and full-scale production in India will begin once the final contract is signed. Although India has previously partnered with Russia for fighter jets like the MiG-21, MiG-27, this is the first time the two nations are collaborating on a civilian aircraft project.

“Game Changer” deal
HAL described the agreement as a “game changer.” The project marks a major step towards making India a hub for aircraft manufacturing. It is also seen as a key move in expanding regional air connectivity under the government's UDAN scheme. HAL said the project aligns with the Narendra Modi government's Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision.

Challenge to Airbus and Boeing
India is expected to need more than 200 domestic passenger jets over the next decade. Experts believe that producing the Sukhoi Superjet 100 in India, in collaboration with Russia, could pose a major challenge to global aviation giants Boeing (US) and Airbus (UK). Currently, most Indian airlines rely on aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 series.