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IAF AN-32s In Ukraine For Upgrades
Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony says the first batch of the Indian Air Forces (IAF) Antonov AN-32 transport aircraft has been sent to the Ukraine for a life extension and overhaul program.
Antony told the Indian Parliaments upper house on Aug. 4 that the move followed a deal that India signed with the Ukraine in June 2009.
All the platforms will be fitted with the latest avionics suites and hydraulic systems, with the aim of increasing the aircrafts lifespan by 15 years. With the upgrade, the IAFs 105 AN-32s would serve for 40 years.
Sources tell AVIATION WEEK that the upgraded AN-32s will have glass cockpits and advanced flight management systems, with airframes undergoing modifications to increase landing capabilities.
An unconfirmed report said the deal was worth more than $400 million.
Sources said the AN-32 upgrade was long overdue, with negotiations beginning several years ago.
The IAF workhorses can reach many inaccessible and high-altitude areas such as Siachen and Leh.
The upgrade comes as India and Russia are set to begin another round of contract talks to upgrade the Su-30MKI.
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