HAL to Build Russian SJ-100 Aircraft in India

Hindustan Aerospace Limited (“HAL”), based in India, and United Aircraft Corporation (“UAC”), based in Russia, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding under which HAL will produce the Russian-designed SJ-100 aircraft (formerly the Sukhoi Superjet) in India.  This is an interesting step toward India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in commercial aircraft, but doesn’t move the ball forward, and may backfire. 

The agreement grants HAL the rights to manufacture the SJ-100 for the Indian market, which is expected to grow given India’s regional airport expansion and need for smaller commercial aircraft.  The last commercial aircraft produced in India was the Hawker-Siddley HS748 twin turboprop that HAL manufactured between 1961 and 1988.  With this agreement, India will return to a level

of participation in commercial aviation that India had achieved nearly four decades ago.  

Of course, aircraft assembly is quite different from aircraft design and certification, the skills that separate OEMs from subcontractors.  With this agreement, HAL will move up slightly in the supply chain to an assembly as well as supplier role, but doesn’t bring India much closer to becoming self-reliant in commercial aviation.  That requires domestic design, certification, and manufacture of engines, landing gear, avionics, wings and other components.  Yes, it will be more work for HAL, but likely not the type of work HAL needs to become truly self-sufficient.