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Owing to the recent mishaps arising from the aging fleet of Antonov-32 transport aircraft with the Indian Air Force (IAF), India has finally signed a $400 million deal with Ukraine for the upgradation of its Antonov-32 fleet.
Although the deal to upgrade over a hundred AN-32 transport vehicle was being considered for a while, the recent crash of the Antonov-32 which claimed the life of 13 military personels in Eastern India has forced India to take some serious measures.
The AN-32 is a medium-tactical transport aircraft and is used to ferry troops and supplies. AN-32 had its last major crash in Delhi in 1999 killing 21 people. Of the 118 AN-32s inducted in 1984 as replacements, 14 have been lost in crashes till now. However, these transport aircraft have witnessed bad maintenance and service, delays in overhauls and shortage of spares which led to a high Aircraft on Ground (AOG) percentage.
As per the new contract with Ukraine, the 104 AN-32s will get an upgrade and life extension overhaul over a period of five years, with an initial lot being sent to Ukraine and the rest at the base repair depot in Kanpur, India.
The project will be executed between 2009 and 2013. It will include life extension of both the engines and airframe, improved avionics suite, communication equipment and landing aids.
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