Antonov and Reliance signed MoC for India's Multi-role Transport Aircraft program.

Under the agreement, Reliance and Antonov will jointly bid for the Medium Military Transport Aircraft program of the local aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). In addition to this, the two companies will also collaborate for assembly, manufacture and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of Antonov series of aircraft to address the requirements of the Indian market and also the agreed global markets.

Antonov's An class of aircraft have long served the Indian Air Force and Navy for over five decades. The Indian Air Force currently operates more than 100 An-32 aircraft, which forms the backbone of its transport fleet. The partnership agreement would provide the benefits of quality and low cost solution for 50-80 seater aircraft through its core competencies.

The partnership of Reliance Defence and Antonov envisions design of fixed wing Military Aircraft configured for use in tactical as well strategic roles. Powered by two turbofan high fuel-efficiency jet engines, the medium lift aircraft is capable of short field runways operating from remote airfields with unpaved surfaces.

It is understood that HAL is looking at a market size of up to 300 aircraft in the medium range. This will be potentially the largest collaborative effort involving the Public Sector, Private Sector and Global OEM as part of the Make in India and Skill India initiatives of the Government with value of programs exceeding Rs 50,000 crore (US$ 7.5 bn).