NEW DELHI (BNS): The first batch of five military transport aircraft of Indian Air Force has arrived in Ukraine for overhaul and modernisation.

The contract on modernisation of 105 AN-32s fleet was signed in June last year. The contract, worth over USD 400 million, was signed between Ukrainian military export monopolist Ukrspetsexport and India to upgrade the twin-engine turboprop planes operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

According to the agreement, the first 40 airplanes will be upgraded in Ukraine, the other 65 ones – at BRD-1 aviation plant of Indian Air Force in Kanpur, a company statement said.

The modernisation programme for the aircraft aims to increase its service life by another 15 to 25 years.

The airplanes will be fitted with up-to-date equipment providing higher level of flight safety, including air collision avoidance system, ground proximity warning system, satellite navigation system, distance measuring equipment, upgraded radio altimeters, new radar with two multifunctional indicators, new oxygen system and improved seats for crew members.

The Antonov-32s are the lifeline of Indian soldiers battling uninhabitable weather conditions and the harsh terrain to protect the icy heights of Siachen Glacier, once described as the world's highest battlefield.

The aircraft is mainly used for carrying cargo, supplies and troops to Siachen, where guns fell silent following a November 2003 ceasefire accord with Pakistan, and for transportation of personnel and equipment in other parts of the country.