Romania receives modernised IAR-330 Puma Naval helicopters

Romania's IAR Brasov announced on 17 December that it had delivered the third IAR-330 Puma Naval to the Romanian Ministry of Defence, completing a modernisation process on the navy's three Puma helicopters that lasted 10 years.
During the last stage of the modernisation, between 2013 and 2015, the helicopters were fitted with torpedo launchers, extending their operability to anti-submarine warfare. The Pumas had previously been fitted in 2012 with two machine guns, of 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm respectively, for anti-piracy operations. The helicopters can also be used in anti-surface warfare operations, as well as for transport, surveillance, or search-and-rescue missions.
janes

Nigeria looking for more attack aircraft

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has received a proposal from a defence company for the sale of six Puma gunship helicopters, four Sukhoi Su-25KM ground attack jets, and two upgraded Su-25UB trainers.
According reports unidentified company had "reached an agreement with the NAF to substitute the initial order for Cobra AH-1V with alternative attack platforms".
The US State Department confirmed in November 2014 that it had blocked a deal to sell Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters to Nigeria because of concerns about its military's human rights record and ability to operate the aircraft. The Nigerian press reported that the attack helicopters would have been ex-Israeli Air Force Cobras.
The only Pumas upgraded into gunships were Romanian-built IAR 330s that were converted into the SOCAT armed version with a chin-mounted 20 mm gun and Rafael Spike guided missiles with the help of the Israeli company Elbit Systems between 2000 and 2005.
Elbit Systems was also involved in the Su-25KM 'Scorpion' upgrade programme along with Georgia's Tblisi Aircraft Manufacturing company.
janes

Thales to supply sonobuoy processors to Romanian Navy

Romanian helicopter manufacturer IAR Brasov has chosen Thales to supply TMS 2000 sonobuoy processors to equip IAR-330 Puma helicopters operated by the Romanian Navy.
The processors will give the Romanian Navy a decisive anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability to detect submarines in the Black Sea, in particular as part of NATO missions.
thalesgroup