Elbit Systems is to upgrade the Romanian air force's Lockheed Martin C-130 transports under a new deal worth around $18.6 million.

The Romanian air force has five C-130B/Hs, as listed in Flightglobal's MiliCAS database. Four of these are in operational condition.

The Israeli company will act as prime contractor for the four-year project, which will be performed in collaboration with Romanian companies. Equipment to be delivered under the award will include avionics from Elbit's Elisra Electronic Systems subsidiary.

Elbit has previously worked with Romanian firms including Aerostar, Avioane Craiova and IAR Brasov, and already has three wholly owned subsidiaries employing roughly 400 people in the country.

"We hope other similar projects will follow," said Yoram Shmuely, co-general manager of Elbit's aerospace division.

Source: Flight International