Romania’s Aerostar is close to completing a programme which will equip Mozambique's air force with eight refurbished Mikoyan MiG-21s.
“The programme commenced over a year ago and has involved six single-seat fighters and two double-seat trainer variants,” the company says.
Both images: Aerostar
Performed at the Aerostar facility in Bacau, the overhaul has included equipping the Soviet-era fighters with GPS navigation equipment and a modern digital flight recorder. “In many instances the aircraft involved had not flown operationally for some 20 years,” Aerostar notes.
The deal also covers the provision of training services for pilots and maintenance personnel, plus the overhaul and delivery of one Aero Vodochody L-39 jet trainer.
Aerostar has delivered six of the refurbished MiG-21s, and says the remaining two are due to be transferred early this month.
The newly-delivered aircraft will add a new capability to the Mozambique air force, which Flightglobal’s Ascend Fleets database records as currently having two Mil Mi-8 transport and two Mi-25 attack helicopters in service, plus one VIP-roled Hawker 125 business jet.
Source: Flight International