Finally! I was wondering when are they going to start MRTA production? I mean for the amount they invested in this, I think it should be ready in about 4-5 years. Why 2017 deadline?
IAF said it wants to buy only 45 of these while An-32s are more than 100 in our inventory. What about the remaining 55? No answers from IAF. This aircraft can be converted for multiple roles from what I see. Even as a water bomber for fire fighting, transporting of NSG to any part of the country, civilian transport etc. MRTA has a lot of potential in following areas:
1) Airlines especially cargo airlines/modified for passenger travel
2) special forces specifically
3) Fire-fighting water bombers.
4) Corporate transport
5) Army Aviation
I think we might not even need international customers if our government utilized this to full potential, it might even earn a lot within India's borders.