Russian state technology corporation Rostec has shared details of its collaboration with Indian company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), saying it is nearing a final agreement on the localized production of Russia’s SJ-100 in India.
Rostec’s subsidiary — United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) — and HAL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2025, laying the groundwork for cooperation on the licensed production of the Superjet aircraft in India. Formal negotiations on the licensing agreement are ongoing.
“As of today, we have agreed on more than 80% of the licensing agreement and plan to sign it in the near future. At the upcoming Aero India 2027 exhibition, we expect to conclude an agreement with the first Indian operator,” UAC CEO Vadim Badekha said at the INNOPROM. India forum, held between September 9 and 11 in New Delhi.
According to Deputy CEO of Rostec Dmitry Lelikov, HAL will assist UAC in obtaining the SJ-100 type certificate in India. The Indian company is also expected to receive a license to manufacture and sell the aircraft, as well as the components and parts required for its maintenance and repair.
The SJ-100 can carry up to 103 passengers and is expected to complete its certification flight-test program in 2026, with serial production deliveries targeting 2027.
The aircraft was introduced to the Indian market at its world premiere at Wings India 2026 in January, where Indian partners expressed “heightened interest,” according to Lelikov.
The project is intended to support India’s Make in India initiative and the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) regional connectivity program, which aims to make air travel more accessible and expand the country’s regional airport network, Lelikov explained.
Reportedly, the SJ-100 is an import-substituted aircraft, with more than 40 foreign components replaced by Russian-made systems. These include PD-8 engines, Russian avionics, power supply systems, and air-conditioning equipment.