From the archive record
The UAC/HAL Il-214 Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) is a medium-lift military transport aircraft which is being developed as a joint venture of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia and Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) of India. The companies are investing US$300 million each in the project. The MTA is expected to replace the Indian Air Force's aging fleet of Antonov An-32 transport aircraft. It is designed to perform regular transport duties and also to deploy paratroopers. The aircraft is expected to conduct its first flight by 2017, and to enter service by 2018. In October 2009, Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony made an official visit to Russia, during which the two countries formally incorporated the joint venture. The governments of Russia and India agreed to produce the airc