Elbit awarded contracts to refit Romanian helicopters, jet trainers
The IAR 99 is being upgraded to support Romanian pilots transitioning to the F-16. (Photo: Avioane Craiova)
Elbit will supply onboard mission equipment and payloads for Romania's IAR 330 Puma helicopter fleets, as well as new avionics to upgrade the country's IAR 99 trainer jets.
Elbit Systems has been awarded four contracts to supply Romania with aircraft upgrades and EW suites, EO/IR payloads and night vision systems for IAR 330 Puma helicopters.
Elbit will integrate its Spectro XR EO payload onto Romanian Navy IAR 330s following a previous upgrade of the the aircraft. Work will be performed over the coming year. Spectro XR is designed for day and night extended-range all-weather surveillance and provides target scanning capabilities for situational awareness.
Under the second contract, Elbit is supplying an EW suite comprising a radar warning receiver, laser warner, IR missile warner and countermeasure dispenser to a Romanian partner for integration on board six Pumas with an option for six more. This is a follow-on order to EW suite installation work on other Romanan platforms and will be delivered over three years.
The third contract involves fitting helmet display systems, Spectro XR and a mission package including smart displays, digital maps and reconnaissance systems plus BrightNite night vision systems on Romanian Air Force IAR 330 SAR helicopters.
Shephard Defence Insight lists 57 Puma helicopters as being in service with Romanian forces.
Finally, Elbit will supply live training embedded virtual avionics, monitors, overhead display, navigation and weapons activation systems to Avioane Craiova which is upgrading the Romanian Air Force's IAR 99 advanced trainer aircraft.
The upgrade will support transition of Romanian pilots to fighter aircraft including F-16s and will be carried out over a period of four years.
Elbit also recently received a contract to supply weapon systems for Romania's Piranha V armoured vehicle programme.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![IDEX 2025: Embraer pushes counter-UAV capabilities for its Super Tucano]()
IDEX 2025: Embraer pushes counter-UAV capabilities for its Super Tucano
Embraer is looking to position its Super Tucano aircraft to Middle Eastern countries at IDEX to join current customers Lebanon and Afghanistan.
-
![IDEX 2025: China attacks the loitering munition market]()
IDEX 2025: China attacks the loitering munition market
At IDEX 2025, held in Abu Dhabi this week, an array of Chinese attack UAVs, primarily loitering munitions, have been on display.
-
![IDEX 2025: Heven Drones’ Raider UAS aims for 2026 delivery date]()
IDEX 2025: Heven Drones’ Raider UAS aims for 2026 delivery date
The modular twin-fuselage, hydrogen-powered uncrewed aerial system has just been unveiled, with the company conducting final flight tests and maturing the product later this year.
-
![Indian Air Force airlifter contract bidders push credentials at Aero India]()
Indian Air Force airlifter contract bidders push credentials at Aero India
The three main bidders aiming to replace India’s ageing An-32 and Il-76 transporter fleet were at Aero India to put their case, despite recent geopolitical pressures on the competition.
-
![IDEX 2025: GA-ASI to unveil new exportable small UAS platform in June 2025]()
IDEX 2025: GA-ASI to unveil new exportable small UAS platform in June 2025
While the product remains in development, GA-ASI is looking to target the international market with a new small UAS, focusing on exportability.
-
![IDEX 2025: Jump 20-X marks the spot for AeroVironment]()
IDEX 2025: Jump 20-X marks the spot for AeroVironment
AeroVironment showcased the Jump 20-X, an advancement of the company’s Jump 20 VTOL-capable fixed-wing UAV, at this year’s IDEX in Abu Dhabi.
