Romania Successfully Completes Modernization of First IAR-99 to IAR-99 SM Standard

The first IAR 99 SM fighter aircraft has been modernized in Craiova. "Not many countries can build an aircraft. Romania can!"

The Romanian IAR 99 SM aircraft will be used to adapt Romanian pilots to F-16 aircraft. Nine other aircraft will undergo the same modernization process and will be equipped with state-of-the-art on-board equipment.

In 2020, the Romanian Air Force and Avioane Craiova signed a contract to modernize 10 IAR-99 planes from the Standard level (the initial variant) to the IAR-99 SM level (Modernized Standard), enabling pilots to be trained for flight on F-16 aircraft. The contract is valued at 275 million lei excluding VAT.

The first aircraft was not delivered within the contractual 3-year period, as the factory invoked a force majeure clause. In December 2023, the Avioane Craiova Aircraft Factory announced the start of trials with the first modernized aircraft.

The modernization includes avionics systems compatible with those on the F-16, as well as a training system, close air support capabilities, and air combat capabilities.

"It's an ultramodern aircraft; Romanian pilots will now be able to train on this aircraft. We are also working on the other planes, hoping not to encounter any further issues with suppliers as happened before, and to deliver all aircraft to the Romanian Air Force as soon as possible," said Victor Munteanu, General Director of the Avioane Craiova Factory.

Specialists from the Avioane Craiova Factory are confident that the recently modernized Romanian aircraft will help future pilots train at high standards, as required by NATO partners.

"We can work in the aeronautical industry at a high level. For us, the quality of work is very important. Many people may not understand what it means to build an aircraft. Not many countries can build an aircraft. Romania can!" stated Ionuț Arghiropol, IAR 99 SM program director.

The first IAR 99 SM aircraft has already been ground-tested and is set to be deployed at the Boboc Military Base in Buzău. The Avioane Craiova Factory has initiated modernization work on the other nine aircraft, each at different stages of progression.