Serbia's air force has taken delivery of six Soko G4 Super Galeb advanced jet trainers from Montenegro.
Part of a 17-strong fleet left at Podgorica air base following the two states' separation earlier this decade, the aircraft had been in dispute for nearly four years.
Under an agreement signed in April, Montenegro will exchange six G4s (pictured below, following their transfer) and some spare parts for the Mil Mi-8 transport helicopter for shares in the Novi Prvoborac company, airport equipment and "various documentation".
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© Igor Salinger |
The returned trainers will significantly boost Serbia's operational fleet of G4s, which Flightglobal's MiliCAS database lists at 14 aircraft (one pictured below, at June's Berlin air show). Montenegro had already donated it a simulator for the type.
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© Billypix |
Serbia hopes to conduct a modernisation programme for up to 15 Super Galebs. This should equip the aircraft with new avionics, communication and navigation equipment, and enable them to remain in use until around 2030.
The proposed G4MD programme would also add head-up displays, hands-on throttle and stick controls, guided weapons, targeting systems and countermeasures equipment.
Source: Flight International
