Elbit Systems has received a fresh slew of contracts from Romania linked to the NATO nation’s fleets of transport helicopters and jet trainers.
Announced by the Israeli company on 14 March, the deals include a trio of projects affecting Bucharest’s IAR SA330 Puma rotorcraft fleets.
Under a two-year project also involving local partner IAR Brasov, Elbit will provide helmet-mounted displays and a mission package including replacement cockpit displays, digital maps and its BrightNite system to modernise the Romanian air force’s search and rescue-roled SA330s. The BriteNite technology will boost the type’s ability to operate in degraded visual environments.
And in a continuation of an earlier effort, the company says it will supply a “comprehensive electronic warfare suite” to equip another six of the nation’s Pumas, “with an option for an additional six in the future”. To be installed within three years, the system incorporates laser, radar and missile approach warning systems, plus countermeasures dispensers.
Elbit also will integrate its Spectro XR electro-optical/infrared payload “to enhance the Romanian navy’s [SA330] operational capabilities”, with the work to be performed this year.
Finally, the company is to support an Avione Craiova-led upgrade to the Romanian air force’s IAR99 Soim jet trainer fleet, by supplying avionics and embedded virtual training equipment, plus cockpit displays, navigation and weapons activation systems. The Soim modernisation deal has a four-year term, the company says.
Elbit’s latest successes follow its receipt last December of a roughly $410 million contract to supply Romania’s armed forces with up to seven Watchkeeper X systems – a further development of the tactical unmanned air vehicle already in operational use with the British Army.
