Israel-based firm Elbit Systems has received multiple contracts to modernize the Romanian Armed Forces’ aerial capabilities.

The agreements build on a partnership between the firm and the Romanian Ministry of Defense to enhance several aircraft and rotorcraft of the country’s multi-domain forces.

“These contracts extend Elbit Systems’ track record delivering successful projects to the Romanian Armed Forces, including follow-on contracts awarded after Elbit Systems first was contracted to upgrade helicopters and aircraft,” Elbit Systems International Marketing and Business Development Vice President Ran Kril stated.

Imaging System and Electronic Warfare Suite

One of the contracts covers the delivery of Elbit’s Spectro XR payload for the Romanian Navy’s IAR 330 medium transport helicopter.

Spectro XR is a specialized camera combining different optical channels to give choppers a wide imaging range during operations. Work for the contract will take place in 2024.

A separate contract will equip six Romanian Puma helicopters with an electronic warfare suite, including a laser warning system, radar warning receiver, countermeasure dispensing system, and infrared missile warning system.

The suite’s delivery is a follow-on order to capabilities installed on other Romanian Armed Forces vehicles and features an option for six additional electronic warfare packages. Services under the contract will be provided for three years.

Smart Displays and Avionics

A third contract will provide Spectro XR alongside Elbit’s Helmet Display and Tracking System and an aircraft mission package including digital maps, smart displays, and reconnaissance systems.

The contract will supply the firm’s Brightnite imaging systems to aerospace manufacturer IAR Brasove, which supports Romanian Air Force SA 330 Puma helicopters. The agreement is expected to be complete within two years.

A fourth contract includes delivering advanced avionic suites, navigation and weapons activation systems, overhead and advanced monitor displays, and live training-embedded virtual systems to aircraft service provider Avioane Craiova to support the air force’s IAR99 Soim advanced trainer and light attack aircraft.

The trainer vehicle is used to prepare Romanian pilots to operate different fighter planes, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Work for the contract is expected to run for four years.