Ukraine to start modernization of Indian An-32 in December

Ukraine will start modernization of military cargo planes for the Indian Air Force in December, a Ukrainian defense sector source told Interfax. The first Indian Antonov An-32 will arrive in Kyiv in December for the pilot modernization project, he said.

If India is satisfied with the modernization, the process will become extensive, at the 410th Kyiv Civil Aviation Plant.It is planned to increase the plane's service life to 40 years and the payload from 6.7 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes. Cockpit noise will also be reduced.

The Indian Air Force and Spetstekhnoexport, a subsidiary of Ukrspetsexport state company, signed the contract of some $400 million in June, following the Ukrainian victory in the December 2007 tender. In all, 105 An-32 will be repaired and modernized. Ukraine's Motor Sich will modernize the An-32 engine. Ukraine presents the An-74 patrol jet at the Indian tender for Coast Guard aircraft.

/www.kyivpost.com

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