State-run Antonov State Enterprise (Kyiv) is ready to deliver the first two An-32 light transport aircraft to Iraq this week. The aircraft were constructed in Kyiv as part of a large-scale contract with Iraq on military equipment supplies worth over $500 million.
Antonov Enterprise Deputy General Designer Oleksandr Kiva told reporters in Kyiv on Monday that Iraqi experts are expected to come to Ukraine this week to take delivery of the first An-32s, and the Ukrainian side is ready to hand over the aircraft.
"Two planes are ready and tested. And we have delivery options for the equipment to discuss with the customer," Kiva said.
He stressed that the Ukrainian side is doing everything possible to keep to the delivery schedule envisaged by the contract.
According to him, four more planes are to be delivered to Iraq by the end of the year.
The contract with Iraq, signed in 2009, envisages the delivery of more than 400 pieces of armor in the next three-and-a-half years, including BTR-4 armored personnel carriers and six An-32 light transport planes, and also the provision of aircraft maintenance services.
