HAL and UAC Plot Indian Production of Russian SJ-100

An agreement signed at last week’s Wings India show lays the groundwork for Indian airlines to deploy the Russian SJ-100 regional jet. India’s state‑owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has agreed to work with United Aircraft Corp (UAC) on plans for Indian production of the so-called all-Russian version of the twinjet that would circumvent Western sanctions by replacing all foreign equipment.

The deal followed a decision backed by India’s finance ministry to support 120 new regional routes as part of the government’s efforts to boost connections with underserved communities. HAL and its Russian partner believe this will stimulate fresh demand for the 90- to 110-seat aircraft, with the new agreement set to cover type‑rated training for Indian pilots in Russia.

Central to the rebranded SJ-100R is deploying Aviadvigatel PD-8/TD engines in place of the Safran turbofans with which the original version achieved EASA type certification in 2012. The Thales avionics suite will also be replaced, along with Honeywell’s auxiliary power unit.

“We offer our Indian partners an aircraft independent of Western sanctions,” said Alexander Dolotovsky, deputy director general of UAC affiliate Yakovlev and head of the Superjet program. In 2022, EASA suspended the SJ-100’s European type certificate in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

However, India’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation cannot automatically accept the pending Russian government approvals for the SJ-100R. An industry consultant speaking with AIN on condition of anonymity said that the new engines, avionics, and other systems will all have to be evaluated by the Indian regulator, which could slow the process leading to HAL’s local production of the type.

According to HAL chairman and managing director D.K. Sunil, the deal with UAC calls for an initial 10 to 20 aircraft to be leased from Russian state‑linked lessors and sub‑leased to Indian carriers. The idea is that this approach would allow HAL to de‑risk early adoption while providing local maintenance, repair, and overhaul, training, and spares support.

“Our plan is phased, starting with fly‑away aircraft, moving to assembly, and eventually deeper manufacturing as volumes grow,” Sunil said. HAL’s Nashik and Bengaluru facilities could be used for assembly and long‑term fleet support.