Elbit Systems to upgrade Romanian Air Force IAR-99 aircraft

Israel’s Elbit Systems has secured a contract to support a programme that involves upgrading the Romanian Air Force’s (RoAF) IAR-99 Standard trainer aircraft.

The $27m contract was awarded by Romanian company Avioane Craiova.

Under the contract, Elbit Systems will deliver advanced avionics systems, live training Embedded Virtual Avionics system and Close Air Support and Air-to-Air capabilities for the aircraft.

The upgrades will support an effective transition of RoAF pilots to operate advanced fighter aircraft such as the F-16.

The contract works, which also include integrated logistic support, will be conducted over a four-year period.

Elbit Systems Aerospace general manager Yoram Shmuely said: “We are honoured to provide continued support for the RoAF.

“This upgrade programme follows a range of technologies delivered by Elbit Systems to the RoAF in collaboration with Romanian companies, including large-scale upgrades for various fixed-wing aircraft, as well as the supply of advanced capabilities for rotary-wing aircraft.”

This comes more than a month after Romania placed a request with the US to provide upgrades and logistics support for its F-16 fighter aircraft fleet.

Modernisation and logistics support are expected to cost around $175.4m.

Elbit Systems focuses on delivering defence, homeland security and commercial solutions across the world.

Last month, its US-based subsidiary was selected by the US Air Force (USAF) to compete for future task orders within the service’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract.