Russia's classic Mach 2 MiG-21 is back on the Farnborough scene, (although regrettably not in the flying display program), in the form of the world debut of the new Israeli/Romanian Lancer III upgrade. The aircraft is fruit of a $300-million contract placed with Elbit and Aerostar to install new digital avionics in 110 MiG-21s of the Romanian air force, which has received about half of this total of upgraded Lancers to date. Some 75 MiG-21MF Lancer I (A)s are being equipped mainly for ground attack, as are 10 two-seat MiG-21UM Lancer I (B) combat trainers, and the remaining 25 Lancer II (C)s for air superiority roles.

With deliveries scheduled for completion by the end of next year, the two companies are planning to offer a similar avionics upgrade package for wider export in the later MiG-21bis. As the last production version of some 12,000 MiG-21s built, 2,030 MiG-21bis were produced at the Gorky factory in the former Soviet Union between 1972 and 1974, according to Aerostar figures, as well as 220 more under license by Hindustan Aeronautics at Nasik, in India. Many of these are still in service in Asia and Africa, and are prime candidates for low-cost upgrades to give them a quantum increase in combat capability.

Powered by an uprated Tumansky R-25-300 turbojet with two-stage afterburning, instead of the R-13 version in the MF, the MiG-21bis is lighter than previous models, carries more fuel in the deeper dorsal spine, and has improved low-altitude combat performance. The new export program is being expedited and supported following the formation in March by Aerostar and Elbit of the Romanian-based A-E Electronics Joint Stock Company. With respective shares of 45% and 55%, the new company will ensure a depot level capability for Lancer avionics. It is also handling the weapons systems upgrade with similar advanced Israeli avionics of Romania's IAR-330L Puma military attack helicopters, and is seeking new national and international upgrade programs. These include studies to extend the operating lives of Romania's 19 MiG-29s, which are expected to expire within a couple of years.

Apart from a different head-up display, and one or two other minor changes, the Elbit 1553B avionics package in the MiG-21bis is virtually unchanged from the MF installation, with an Elta EL-2032M multi-mode fire-control radar in the air superiority version, mission computer, twin multi-function displays, INS/GPS, stores management system for precision guided munitions, HOTAS, and defensive sub-systems. Structural upgrades, which are also involved, are being done by Aerostar for the Romanian air force under separate contract.

The first Lancer III customer could be the Ethiopian air force, with about a dozen MiG-21bis, following recommendations from a commissioned study from the UK's Defense Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). Contrary to some reports, however, no contracts or commitments from Ethiopia have been finalized. Discussions are continuing with several other MiG-21bis operators, with particular interest reported from Croatia.

Celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, Aerostar underwent fundamental restructuring in October, 1997, and is now organized in three semi-autonomous operating groups, each focused on particular areas of specialization of production, overhauls, maintenance and repair, within a strategic division headed by president and general director Grigore Filip. While currently remaining a state-owned company, Aerostar is embarking on a major investment program to expand its Bacau facility. A fully-refurbished final assembly hangar will be completed by the end of this month, capable of accommodating up to 20 MiG-21 Lancers on twin assembly tracks.

By John Fricker