ISRAELI AVIONICS specialist Elbit is to begin the series upgrade of Romanian air force Mikoyan MiG-21 MF Fishbed J fighters in mid-1996. Elbit is the prime contractor on the $300 million programme. Two "prototypes" of the upgraded Romanian MiG-21s are expected to fly by the end of this year. Romania's Aerostar is the main subcontractor on the programme, and it will upgrade up to 100 air force MiG-21s at its plant. The upgrade includes an Elta multi-mode radar for those aircraft intended for air defence, while for those used for strike missions, a radar altimeter will be fitted The upgrade package also includes a new mission computer and a redesigned cockpit fitted with multi-function displays.
At the end of May, the first Cambodian MiG-21Bis being upgraded by Israel Aircraft Industries was flown (pictured above).
Source: Flight International