India has taken a big step in the aviation sector with Russia. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia’s public joint stock company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Moscow on Monday (27 October). Under this, Sukhoi Superjet SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft will be manufactured in India.

This twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft has a capacity of about 100 passengers and has a range of about 3000 kilometers. It has been specially designed for domestic flights. It is reported that till now more than 200 such aircraft have been built around the world and more than 16 airline operators are using them.

‘Make in India’ will get strength

According to experts, manufacturing of SJ-100 in India could prove to be a game-changer for the country’s regional air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik). This will be of great help in connecting small cities and towns of the country with the air network. After this agreement, HAL has got exclusive rights to manufacture SJ-100 aircraft in India. This project will not only give new heights to India’s civil aviation sector but will also strengthen the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Employment opportunities will increase

Apart from this, this project is expected to give international recognition to India’s aviation manufacturing sector. This will not only be a technological achievement for HAL, but it will also give a new direction to India’s self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat). Thousands of employment opportunities will also be created in spare parts, maintenance and supply chain related to aircraft manufacturing.

After the already strong partnership with Russia in the defense sector, this cooperation in civil aviation will further deepen the relations between the two countries. The SJ-100 aircraft can completely transform the regional travel sector in India, especially in areas where air services are limited.

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