HAL, Russian companies to produce multi-role transport aircraft

Bangalore: An agreement between Russia and India on the design, manufacture and marketing of a multi-role transport aircraft (MRTA) is likely to be signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India as guest of honour at the coming Republic Day parade.
Public sector enterprise Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will sew up a partnership with Russian aviation companies Ilyushin and Irkut Corporation.
It hopes that given its lower cost structures and cost-effectiveness they will be able to beat competitors such as Boeing and Airbus Industrie.
The aircraft, which will primarily have a military/cargo role but can also be modified as a 100 to 120-seater passenger aircraft, is expected to replace the Indian Air Force's ageing workhorse, the An-32.
30/11/06 Ravi Sharma/The Hindu

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