India’s state-backed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) expects massive demand for Russian Sukhoi superjets as the South Asian nation boosts regional connectivity, its top official has said.
HAL entered into a joint venture with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to manufacture SJ-100 superjets, on the sidelines of the Wings India 2026 aero exhibition in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The SJ-100 has a capacity to seat 103 passengers.
The SJ-100 program will help Indian airlines overcome delays in aircraft deliveries from global manufacturers, HAL Chairman and Managing Director, D K Sunil, was quoted by the PTI news agency as saying on Wednesday.
“We see a good market of upwards of 200 aircraft for this size of India and you know in the local region,” he said, referring to the Indian government’s regional connectivity program.
“In three years we will do the roll-out in a semi knock-down condition. Bring all the assemblies, assemble it. That is the target in three years. So, bring in all the facilities, bring in the test equipment and get it going,” he added, according to the report.
UAC will provide technical assistance, design services, and specialist support to re-equip HAL’s facilities.
Sunil said HAL is exploring leasing aircraft before full-scale manufacturing begins at its facilities, according to the report.
“In the next year or so, year and a half, we can get in about ten aircraft. So, that is the idea that we are bringing in,” he added.
Manufacturing the SJ-100 in India is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative to boost domestic production capabilities.
UAC also signed a deal at the Hyderabad air show to supply six Ilyushin aircraft to an Indian firm.
The Russian company will provide assistance to the Indian company to gradually increase the capabilities of aircraft assembly, modification, maintenance, repair, and overhaul, as well as infrastructure development.