Elbit Systems announced on December 14 that it was awarded a contract valued at approximately $27 million from the Romanian-based company, Avioane Craiova S.A., for the first phase of the upgrade program of the Romanian Air Force’s IAR-99 Standard trainer aircraft. The contract will be performed over a four-year period and includes integrated logistic support.
Under the contract, Elbit Systems will equip the IAR-99 Standard aircraft with advanced avionics systems and live training Embedded Virtual Avionics system as well as Close Air Support and Air to Air capabilities. This technology upgrade will facilitate an effective transition of RoAF pilots to the operation of advanced fighter aircraft such as the F-16.
The IAR 99 Șoim (Hawk) is an advanced trainer and light attack aircraft capable of performing close air support and reconnaissance missions. The IAR 99 replaced the Aero L-29 Delfin and Aero L-39 Albatros as jet trainer of the Romanian Air Force. The aircraft is of semi-monocoque design, with tapered wings and a swept back tail unit. A large blade-type antenna installed beneath the nose on the port side of the fuselage gives the IAR 99 trainer a distinctive appearance.