NewsIMTSNOTICE: HAL and Russia's UAC will develop India's first Made in India passenger aircraft, the SJ-100. This narrow-body, twin-engine aircraft will support short-haul connectivity under the UDAN program for tier-II and tier-III cities. The SJ-100 can carry 103 passengers with a flight range of 3,530 kilometers and operate in temperatures from -55 to 45 degrees. According to HAL, this partnership marks a significant step toward 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in civil aviation. The aviation industry is expected to need over 200 such aircraft for regional connectivity in the next decade. This is India's first complete passenger aircraft manufacturing project since the AVRO HS-748 production ended in 1988. (Updated 30 Oct 2025, 14:58 IST; source: link)
HAL partners with Russia to build SJ-100 passenger aircraft
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has joined forces with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation to develop India's first domestically manufactured passenger aircraft, the SJ-100. This narrow-body, twin-engine aircraft is designed to carry 103 passengers and has a flight range of 3,530 kilometers. The aircraft can operate in extreme temperatures ranging from -55 to 45 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for various Indian climate conditions. This project represents a significant milestone for India's civil aviation sector, as it will be the country's first complete passenger aircraft manufacturing venture since the production of AVRO HS-748 ended in 1988.
SJ-100 to boost regional connectivity under UDAN scheme
The SJ-100 aircraft is specifically designed to enhance short-haul connectivity between tier-II and tier-III cities under the government's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) program. This initiative aims to make air travel accessible to more Indians by connecting smaller cities and towns. According to HAL, this manufacturing project aligns with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) vision in the civil aviation sector. Industry experts predict that India's growing aviation market will require more than 200 such regional aircraft over the next decade. The SJ-100 is expected to fill this demand gap while reducing dependency on imported aircraft for regional routes.
Key Points
- NOTICE: HAL and Russia's UAC will develop India's first Made in India passenger aircraft, the SJ-100.
- The SJ-100 can carry 103 passengers with a flight range of 3,530 kilometers and operate in temperatures from -55 to 45 degrees.
- According to HAL, this partnership marks a significant step toward 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in civil aviation.