Romanian Military Aircraft Fleet Expanded: Five IAR-99 SM Aircraft Refurbished domestically
Romanian Air Force Upgrades with Modernized IAR-99 SM Aircraft
The Romanian Air Force is undergoing a significant transformation, with the primary fleet consisting of F-16 aircraft stationed at three bases. This is set to change as the government has approved the purchase of 32 US-made F-35 aircraft, with delivery expected by 2031. However, the integration timeline of the upgraded IAR-99 SM aircraft into the Romanian Air Force remains unclear.
The IAR-99 Șoim (Hawk), a light attack and advanced trainer aircraft used by Romania, is set to receive an upgrade with the SM variant. While specific details about the integration schedule are scarce, the upgraded SM variant is known to feature modernized avionics, weapons systems, and mission capabilities.
Avioane Craiova, a Romanian aircraft manufacturer, has been tasked with modernizing a total of 10 IAR-99 SM aircraft for the Ministry of Defense. Five of these modernized aircraft are currently ready for integration into the Romanian Air Force. The demonstration flight of two of these modernized aircraft was attended by Romania's defense minister, Angel Tîlvăr, on Wednesday, March 12.
The modernization of these 10 IAR-99 SM aircraft is part of a RON 275 million (EUR 55 million) contract with the Ministry of Defense. The delivery deadline for the modernized IAR-99 SM aircraft has been extended until the end of the year.
Cosmin Vasile, the president of Dolj County Council, made a statement about the flight demonstration on his Facebook post. The purchase of the F-35 aircraft marks the most expensive acquisition in the history of the Romanian Army.
For precise details on the upgrade and its planned fielding dates, official Romanian Ministry of Defense releases or communications from the aircraft's manufacturer, Aerostar, would be the most authoritative sources.
The modernization project involves upgrading the avionics and weapons systems of the IAR-99 SM aircraft, a move that might also enhance their mission capabilities in the technology-driven aerospace industry. On the finance front, this modernization project is part of a substantial contract worth RON 275 million (EUR 55 million) between Avioane Craiova and the Ministry of Defense.
