Boosting local aviation, Hindustan Aeronautics signs MoU with a US-sanctioned Russian aircraft maker for jet production.
India’s defence and energy ties with Moscow have become a major irritant in its relationship with Washington. Despite this, state owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Russia’s Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC UAC). The Russian firm is sanctioned by the United States. The two plan to manufacture the SJ 100 regional jets in India.
If the understanding moves forward, the SJ 100 could become the first passenger jet to be fully built in India, aligning with New Delhi’s ambition to develop into a global aerospace manufacturing hub. India, the world’s third largest domestic aviation market, has been urging global aircraft makers to establish final assembly lines in the country.
The SJ 100, earlier known as the Sukhoi Superjet 100, can carry up to 103 passengers and fly a range of 3,530 kilometres, competing with aircraft such as the Embraer E190 and Airbus A220. HAL, which has a long standing partnership with PJSC UAC through its work on the Su 30MKI fighter aircraft, has not provided a timeline for the new project.
The agreement comes as Indian refiners prepare to cut Russian oil imports following US sanctions on Moscow’s major energy companies. PJSC UAC was sanctioned by the US and its allies in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
