Ukroboronprom, Ukraine’s state-owned defense industry holding group, unveiled a new An-132D transport aircraft in Kyiv on December 20, 2016.

The AN-132D is the first prototype of the A-132 turboprop light transport aircraft, which is slated to replace the AN-32 and AN-26.

The An-132 program is implemented by Antonov in cooperation with KACST and Taqnia Aeronautics Co for Saudi Arabia.

Ukraine's top officials -- President Petro Poroshenko and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Turchynov -- witnessed the aircraft roll-out in Kyiv.

The ceremony was also attended by top management of Ukraine's state-owned defense giant Ukroboronprom and Antonov design bureau, which is part of the Concern.

The representatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are customers and partners in the project, were also present.

According to Ukrainian media outlets, a contract signed by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and Antonov in April 2015 marked the beginning of the AN-132 development program. The An-32 platform was reportedly preferred after studying the requirements of Saudi Arabia and the global market for light transport aircraft in the military and civil sectors.

Taqnia Aeronautics Company, a subsidiary of Saudi Company for Technological Development and Investment (TAQNIA), signed an agreement with Antonov in May 2015 to develop and manufacture the AN-132 light cargo planes in Saudi Arabia.

Under the agreement, KACST, Taqnia Aeronautics Company and Antonov redevelop the existing An-32 aircraft to produce a new variant with improved payload and range characteristics.  The agreement also enables transfer of the technology to Saudi Arabia.

KACST Director Khalid A. Almalki said at the Farnborough International Airshow Trade 2016 that Saudi Arabia is preparing the required infrastructure under the An-132 aircraft program.