By Arie Egozi in Tel Aviv
The Romanian air force has taken delivery of its first of eight additional upgraded IAR-99C Soim advanced jet trainers equipped with avionics supplied by Israel’s Elbit Systems.
Romania’s Avioane Craiova and Elbit were awarded a $48 million contract by the Romanian defence ministry in November 2004 as a follow-on to an earlier deal to modernise an initial four IAR-99s. Air force pilots are using the upgraded Soims as lead-in trainers before converting on to the service’s MiG-21 Lancer fighters.
The IAR-99C is also capable of conducting close air support, having been equipped with four 250kg (550lb) underwing hardpoints and a centreline stores station. Potential weapon loads also include Python 3 short-range air-to-air missiles manufactured by Rafael. The aircraft also has an electronic warfare self-protection suite supplied by Israel’s Elisra Electronic Systems.
Source: Flight International
