NEW DELHI, June 8 (UPI) -- The Indian air force has taken delivery of four upgraded Soviet-era AN-32 transports following their refit in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian refurbishment of the AN-32 transports, which the Indian air force acquired from the Soviet Union, is intended to extend the airframes' life from 25 to 40 years, the Indo-Asian news service reported Wednesday.
Speaking at the airbase in Palam where the refurbished aircraft were received, Air Officer-in-Charge (Maintenance), Air Marshal Joseph Neri said the planes' designation will be upgraded to AN-32 RE and added that the air force is "imbibing and exploiting technological advances and adapting to the revolution in military affairs."
He also said the refitted AN-32 RE aircraft will fulfill the air force's tactical transport requirements beyond 2025.
The Indian air force sent five AN-32s to Ukraine. The fifth aircraft will be delivered to Indian once it is re-equipped. The Ukrainian firm Spets Techno Export carried out the Total Technical Life Extension refurbishment.
