India has taken delivery of a third batch of five upgraded Antonov An-32 transports, following their modernisation in Ukraine.
Ukrainian defence export agency Ukrspecexport announced the delivery on its web site. Under a 2009 deal Antonov is modernising 40 aircraft in Ukraine and another 65 at the Indian air force base in Kanpur.
The first batch of five modified aircraft were handed over in May 2011, followed by a second batch of five last September.
The upgraded An-32s have updated equipment including collision avoidance and ground proximity warning systems, satellite navigation, distance measuring equipment, upgraded radio altimeters, new radars with multifunctional indicators, plus new oxygen systems and improved crew seats.
The An-32 is similar to the An-26, but has more powerful turboprop engines mounted higher on the wing. It can operate from airfields up to 14,800ft (4,500m) above sea level, as well as in hot conditions. The type has proved effective at linking India's high mountain settlements with bigger cities.
Source: Flight International