The Indian Air Force’s AN-32 fleet upgrade programme has been severely affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, disrupting the supply of critical spare parts from Ukraine. The delay threatens the modernization of nearly 100 transport aircraft, crucial for military logistics, disaster relief missions, and operations in northeastern India.
The modernization programme of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft fleet has suffered a major setback due to the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has disrupted the supply of essential spare parts and equipment from Ukraine. Defence officials say the delays have significantly impacted efforts to extend the operational life of the aircraft, considered one of the most reliable workhorses in India’s military aviation history.
According to senior officials familiar with the programme, the ongoing war has interrupted the delivery of critical components required for the upgrade of nearly 100 AN-32 aircraft. The transport planes were scheduled to undergo extensive modernization, including airframe overhauls, engine upgrades, and the installation of advanced avionics, navigation, and communication systems supplied by Ukrainian manufacturers.
Officials clarified that the disruption in the upgrade programme is unrelated to the recent AN-32 crash in Jorhat. A Court of Inquiry has been tasked with determining the cause of that accident. However, defence sources acknowledged that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had a direct impact on the modernization efforts.
India had signed a deal worth approximately $400 million with Ukraine to upgrade the AN-32 fleet. The agreement covered the refurbishment of airframes and Ivchenko AI-20 engines, along with the integration of modern technological systems aimed at improving operational efficiency, safety, and longevity.
The programme had previously encountered difficulties in 2015 when tensions between Russia and Ukraine first escalated into armed conflict. Although the project resumed after a period of stability, the renewed hostilities have once again disrupted progress. Much of the upgrade work is being carried out at the IAF’s Base Repair Depot in Kanpur, where technicians continue to face challenges due to shortages of critical parts.
Defence officials emphasized that the modernization programme is essential for maintaining the AN-32 fleet until the induction of a new generation of Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA). The procurement process for the MTA is reportedly in its final stages, but the first aircraft are not expected to enter service for at least another decade.
“The AN-32 fleet must remain operational until the new transport aircraft arrive. Without these upgrades, sustaining the aircraft over the next ten years could become increasingly difficult,” a defence official stated.
The AN-32, a customized and upgraded version of the Soviet-era AN-26 transport aircraft, began entering service with the Indian Air Force in 1984. Over the decades, the aircraft has played a crucial role in supporting military operations across some of the most challenging terrains in the country.
Despite operating in extreme weather conditions, mountainous regions, and high-altitude locations, the AN-32 has maintained a notable safety and reliability record. Military experts point out that only a limited number of accidents have occurred over millions of flying hours accumulated by the fleet.
The aircraft has been particularly valuable in sustaining remote military outposts in Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states. AN-32s routinely transport troops, equipment, food supplies, and essential materials to forward locations that are otherwise difficult to access. Their ability to operate from unprepared and semi-prepared runways at Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) has made them indispensable for military logistics.
IAF pilots acknowledge that flying the AN-32 requires specialized skills, particularly in the unpredictable weather conditions common across northeastern India. Sudden changes in visibility, heavy rainfall, and turbulent conditions present operational challenges that demand extensive experience and training.
“Like many aircraft designed during the Soviet era, the AN-32 requires pilots to fully understand its unique handling characteristics. However, it remains one of the best platforms for the role it performs,” an experienced IAF pilot noted.
The timing of the delays is particularly concerning as the monsoon season arrives across India. The AN-32 fleet is expected to play a critical role in flood relief and humanitarian assistance operations, transporting emergency supplies and rescue personnel to affected regions.
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As geopolitical tensions continue to affect global defence supply chains, Indian military planners remain hopeful that a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict will allow the AN-32 modernization programme to resume without further interruptions. Until then, the Indian Air Force faces the challenge of maintaining a vital transport fleet that remains central to both national security and disaster response operations.
