The Romanian air force's IAR-99 Soim trainer programme has received further government funding of $21 million.
A joint project between the aircraft's original maker, Avioane Craiova, and Israeli company Elbit Systems, will see them working together to upgrade the Soim to become a lead-in trainer for the air force's upgraded MiG-21 Lancers.
Equipped with an avionics suite similar to the MiG-21, this new version of the Soim trainer will provide the Romanians with, cost-effective training.
The first 24 aircraft are scheduled to be in service by 2001.
Although its primary role will be training, the Soim can also perform a close air support role. The upgraded aircraft incorporates an advanced avionics suite with communication, navigation and identification systems and a cockpit configuration compatible with both the MiG-21 and the F-16.
The IAR-99 Soim appears each day in the flying display at the show, having apparently recovered from the engine malfunction which caused some concerns during the validation programme last Wednesday.
Source: Flight Daily News
