Aircraft
Antonov An-132 Advances with First Flight and New Partner
Turkey has joined the Ukraine and Saudi Arabia in development of the multipurpose twin turboprop.
The An-132D on its maiden flight at the end of March. A test pilot from Saudi Arabia joined the Ukrainian aircrew. (Photo: Antonov)
The An-132D on its maiden flight at the end of March. A test pilot from Saudi Arabia joined the Ukrainian aircrew. (Photo: Antonov)

Ukraine’s Antonov aircraft company has expanded the international program to develop the An-132 twin-turboprop multipurpose aircraft. Turkish defense electronics firm Havelsan will join it and Taqnia Aeronautics Company of Saudi Arabia to develop a maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) variant. The basic An-132D version that is a joint venture between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia made its first flight on March 31.