Saudi-Ukrainian cooperation produces electronic warfare aircraft

Cooperation between Ukrainian manufacturer Antonov and Saudi Arabia has produced an electronic warfare and surveillance aircraft, pan Arab newspaper Asharq al-Awsat reported Friday.

The aircraft, which is based on the An-132 light multi-mission transport aircraft, is capable of countering air defense systems as well as manned and unmanned aircraft, according to designers.

The newspaper reported that production took place at the Taqnia Aeronautics facility in Saudi Arabia, citing anonymous sources.

According to the newspaper’s sources, the aircraft is “propelled by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150 engines, with six-bladed Dowty Propellers Company R408 propellers; the fully digital avionics system is going to be delivered by Honeywell, while the life support system is to be provided by the Liebherr company.”

The launch ceremony is set to take place in Kiev on Tuesday, with the aircraft being available in Saudi Arabia as of April 2017, according to the newspaper.

In earlier reports, Chairman of Taqnia Aeronautics Turki bin Saud bin Mohammed al-Saud said: “Its range will be doubled or more and the kingdom will participate in developing new specifications for the aircraft to co-own this technology with the Antonov company.”