The Reliance Group has agreed to build transport aircraft for military and civil use in India in association with the Ukraine-based Antonov, making it the latest in the series of tie-ups with foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to bolster its presence in the defence business.

“Reliance Defence Ltd along with Antonov have agreed to cooperate on dual version transport aircraft for military, paramilitary and commercial use in India,” said a company statement on Thursday, adding the firms would jointly address various requirements, including 50-80 seat passenger aircraft in their basic configurations and in transport, maritime patrol and other military variants.

The programme, valued at over Rs 35,000 crore, is estimated to generate employment for over 7,000 people in the primary and secondary industrial sectors in the region, Reliance Defence said in a statement.

The joint venture with Antonov, makers of AN-32 aircraft in service with the Indian Air Force, comes at a time when India is in the midst of acquiring new transport aircraft and is in the process of upgrading the 105-strong fleet of AN 32, the country’s primary transport aircraft.

Upgrade of IAF fleet

The JV will boost the IAF’s plan to upgrade the AN-32 aircraft that had run into trouble due to Ukraine’s deteriorating relations with the Russia.

“The IAF has more than 100 AN-32 aircraft on its inventory having completed its last life cycle upgrade will be due for replacements. The partnership agreement would provide the benefits of quality and low-cost solution for 50-80 seat aircraft through its core competencies,” said the statement.

Powered by two turbofan jet engines, the medium-lift aircraft is capable of short-field runways operating from remote airfields with unpaved surfaces.

JV will generate employment for over 7,000 people in primary, secondary sectors