Aircraft
HAL and UAC Plot Indian Production of Russian SJ-100
Partners would bypass Western sanctions on the 100-seat regional jet
UAC SJ-100
Russia's United Aircraft Corp is introducing a version of the SJ-100 airliner that would avoid Western sanctions. © Yakovlev

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.