(dpa) - India's state-run military aviation company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Thursday said it had tied up with Russian aviation major Ilyushin Aviation Complex to develop a multi- role transport aircraft for 600 million dollars.
"From April 1, we started development of the Multi-Role Transport Aircraft in Bangalore," HAL chairman Ashok Baweja told reporters in the southern Indian city.
He said a 30-member team had already been designated to develop the 60-ton class aircraft and HAL and its Russian partner would equally share the development cost of 600 million dollars.
Baweja said the aircraft which would serve the armed forces of both countries would take about six to seven years to develop.
The MRTA would be used in troop deployment as well as for transport duties and will replace the Indian Air Force's Antonov-32, HAL officials said.