India’s HAL Signs SJ-100 Production Agreement with Russia’s UAC, Bolstering Civil Aviation Industry Capabilities

India’s state-run aircraft maker, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), on Wednesday (January 28, 2026), signed an agreement with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), to jointly produce the SJ-100 civilian aircraft.

The agreement to license produce the civil aviation aircraft for regional connectivity needs, follows up on the October 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the two companies had signed in this regard.

The two companies put their ink of approval on the deal at a ceremony during the Wings India 2026, currently progressing in Hyderabad, Telangana, till January 31.

HAL and UAC are jointly showcasing the Super Jet SJ-100 at Wings India this year, following their agreements for joint production of the aircraft in India.

The Russian company was also showcasing its IL-114 aircraft at Wings India this year.

UAC said in a media release at the event that the agreement would serve as the basis for further cooperation with HAL on the SJ-100 licensed production in India.

“In particular, the document formalises an agreement (under which) HAL will assist UAC in the process of obtaining and validating Super Jet type certification in India,” the Russian company said.

“HAL will be granted a license to manufacture and sell the SJ-100, including its components, parts, and accessories necessary for the repair and maintenance of this aircraft,” the UAC spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, UAC will help HAL organise and re-equip its production facilities for the SJ-100 by providing consulting, design services and bringing in specialists, the corporation added.

“The signing of this document is an essential step towards concluding a general agreement that sets out the roadmap, timeframe, financial indicators, and detailed distribution of the respective work efforts of the parties,” UAC added.

The SJ-100 is a short-haul narrow-body aircraft being developed for the Indian market under a programme to replace imported systems and components, through HAL.

The aircraft so produced in India would become another model in the Super Jet family of aircraft currently operated in Russia.

The SJ aircraft made its first flight with the Russian PD-8 engine in the city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur on March 17, 2025. The serial delivery of the aircraft would begin this year.