New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has partnered with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to manufacture the Sukhoi Superjet SJ-100 in India, marking the country’s return to civil aircraft production after nearly four decades.
Signed in Moscow on October 27, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, aiming to bolster regional connectivity under the UDAN scheme and reduce reliance on foreign aircraft imports. Hailed as a game-changer, the SJ-100’s checkered safety record casts a shadow over the deal, raising concerns about its viability.
The SJ-100, a twin-engine, narrow-body jet seating 87–108 passengers, is designed for short-haul routes, ideal for connecting India’s smaller cities. With over 230 jets already in service globally, primarily in Russia, HAL projects a demand for over 200 such aircraft domestically and 350 for Indian Ocean routes in the next decade. This could save billions in imports, create jobs, and position India as an aerospace hub. Yet, the jet’s history — 95 incidents, five hull losses, and 89 fatalities in 14 years, including a 2012 crash in Indonesia and a 2019 fire in Moscow — sparks safety concerns. Critics question whether India’s ambition risks passenger trust.
The russified’ SJ-100R, using Russian-made components like the PD-8 engine to bypass Western sanctions, adds complexity. HAL assures compliance with DGCA and ICAO safety standards, but experts urge rigorous global certification. As India balances economic gains with safety imperatives, the deal could redefine its aviation landscape — or become a costly gamble.