Slovakia is considering upgrading its RSKMiG-29 Fulcrums, having raised the issue with Israeli president Moshe Katzav.

Sources in Katzav's entourage say Slovak president Rudolf Schuster has indicated the project is still on the agenda. The plan to upgrade 23 MiG-29s to be NATO interoperable has been on the cards since 1998, but has been thwarted by lack of funding.

Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and its rival Elbit Systems are expected to offer their respective upgrade packages if the programme is implemented.

The IAI upgrade for the MiG-29 is based on Israeli equipment, but retains some original systems.

Elbit has attempted to secure MiG-29 upgrades and is teamed for this programme with EADS Germany and Romania's Aerostar.

Source: Flight International