Stand-off in Ukraine hits IAF fleet refit

New Delhi, Oct. 19:   Five Indian Air Force planes have been grounded in Ukraine where they had been sent for a refit and upgrade. T he five Antonov 32 aircraft — the last batch of 40 from the IAF’s fleet of about a 100 — were to be delivered by Ukraine in August. The AN32 aircraft is integral to the daily operations of the IAF, transporting troops, materiel and dropping rations and stores at high altitude posts as well as being deployed for search and rescue during natural disasters. But Ukraine’s continuing troubles with Russia a…