Antonov, two Saudi companies sign MoU to manufacture AN−132 aircraft

Ukraine’s Antonov State Company, Taqnia Aeronautics, a subsidiary of Saudi Technology Development and Investment Co (TAQNIA), and WAHAJ, an affiliate of SIPCHEM, have signed a three party Memorandum of Understating to manufacture the AN−132 aircraft.

This agreement was signed during the Armed Forces Exhibition for Diversity of Requirements and Capabilities AFED-2018 held in Riyadh on February 25 - March 3, 2018, Antnov’s press service reports.

“This Memorandum follows Taqnia’s recent initiatives in forming an alliance to establish manufacturing, testing, and maintenance capabilities for the aircraft,” reads the report.

According to the Ukrainian company, the parties have agreed that at the first stage of cooperative manufacturing, initial set of AN−132 serial aircraft will be constructed at ANTONOV’s production facilities in cooperation with TAQNIA and WAHAJ. At this stage Antonov will be prime contractor, TAQNIA and WAHAJ will construct components and units according to the cooperation scheme.

Also, the parties have agreed to deepen cooperation at the next stages on Antonov aircraft manufacturing in line with the strategic plan for creation of production facilities in Saudi Arabia.

“This Memorandum is the next step to develop our interaction on the AN−132 program. We appreciate this cooperation. It is mutually beneficial for all the parties and all the companies involved in the project. Our new product has to take a proper place in the global market”, said Oleksandr Kryvokon, President of Antonov Company.