RoMoND approach for future endowment with helicopters MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE ARMAMENTS DEPARTMENT 1. Actual RoMoND Helicopter Types / Versions Type/Version Origin Role Notes IAR 316 B Romania training License-built Aerospatiale – SA 316B Alouette (standard) IAR 330 Puma Romania utility transport License-built Aerospatiale - SA 330 Puma (standard) License-built Aerospatiale - SA 330 Puma IAR 330L SOCAT Romania multi role Modernized version with Elbit Systems License-built Aerospatiale - SA 330 Puma IAR 330L M Romania utility transport Modernized version with SC IAR SA Brasov License-built Aerospatiale - SA 330 Puma IAR 330L MEDEVAC Romania MEDEVAC Modernized version with SC IAR SA Brasov License-built Aerospatiale - SA 330 Puma IAR 330L NAVAL Romania multi role Modernized version with SC IAR SA Brasov SC IAR SA began manufacturing the IAR 316 B in 1971 at its plant near Brașov, Romania, based on a French Aérospatiale licence. More than 200 units were built, 125 of those were built for the RoAF. Some of the IAR 316 B were upgraded to carry weapons such as 57mm rocket pods, 7.62 mm machine guns, and anti- tank missiles. Today IAR 316 B is used as a IAR 316B training helicopter. Romania bought a licence to manufacture the French Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma in 1974. The first licensed helicopter was flown in 1975. 167 of these helicopters have been built, out of which 104 were assigned to Romania's military. Have been built also a search and rescue (SAR) version, fitted with inflatable floats for emergency landing at sea. Depot level maintenance and upgrade activities are still ongoing at the Industria Aeronautică Română (IAR) IAR 330L plant at Ghimbav near Brașov. In the 1990s, the Romanian Air Force decided to enhance the combat capabilities of the IAR 330L, making it a universal anti-tank and support helicopter. The Israeli company Elbit Systems was chosen, and in 1995 was signed a contract to upgrade 24 helicopters with the SOCAT system (Sistem Optronic de Cercetare și Anti- Tanc). IAR 330 SOCAT The IAR 330M NATO is a modernized transport version with the SOCAT version's avionics, without weapons and optronic systems. Among others, it has a weather radar. Twelve IAR 330Ls were modernized to 330M standard IAR 330M NATO between 2005 and 2008. The IAR 330 MEDEVAC is a modernized transport version with the SOCAT version's avionics, without weapons and optronic systems and with a weather radar. Four IAR 330Ls were modernized to MEDEVAC standard between 2005 and IAR 330 MEDEVAC 2008. The first IAR 330 NAVAL helicopter was delivered to Romanian Naval Forces in 2007. The helicopter is in a similar configuration to the Romanian Air Force SOCAT. The Navy aircraft also have flotation gear. Three helicopters are operated from Navy frigates for multi-role maritime missions (transport, search IAR 330 NAVAL and rescue and maritime surveillance) 2. New contract for IAR 330 modernisation • In 2016, the Romanian Air Force decided to enhance the avionic and protection systems for seven IAR 330 L in order to have a modern capability for missions in theatre of operations • The frame contract was signed in december 2016 with SC IAR SA Brasov • The helicopters and related logistic support are scheduled to be delivered in 2018 and 2019 3. RoMoND Conception about helicopters needs (1) • The RoMoND specialists are working now to elaborate a Conception about future endowment with helicopters of Army, Air and Naval Forces • In the last two years a lot of data were gathered form EU and USA main helicopters producers • It will be a major decision because its global effects on long term • For example: one of the main issues for attack helicopter is to decide between a multi-role and a dedicated solution 3. RoMoND Conception about helicopters needs (2) • The requirements and after that an acquisition strategy will be established based on the Conception conclusions • A major priority (as a state level decision) for future acquisition is involving of national defence industry in production and maintenance of the new fleet • In this respect RoMoND had preliminary discussion (in a non-binding format) with companies such as: Airbus, Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Leonardo and Sikorsky 4. The involvement of national defence industry (1) • The involvement of national defence industry in RoMoND aquisition programs for helicopters is a part of the national strategy to sustain and develop production and maintenance for defence in Romania. • In order to implement this strategy, lately were approved relevant Laws and also Governamental and Supreme Council of National Defence decisions. • Example: Law no. 232/2016 regarding national defence industry 4. The involvement of national defence industry (2) • Ministry of Economy signed in 2016 a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus Helicopters Industries • SC IAR SA Brasov signed in 2016 a Memorandum of Understanding with Bell Helicopter • The goals of memorandums are to identify and develop bilateral collaboration opportunities • In September 2016 Airbus Helicopters inaugurate an assembly plant of Airbus H215 helicopters, on the IAR Ghimbav platform, Brașov. Beside the production facilities, the opened plant have a research bureau, sales department and a training center • RoMoND analyse the possibility to buy, in near future, two H215 5. Conclusions • Actual RoMoND helicopters fleet is based on IAR 330 L and IAR 316 B platforms in standard or upgraded variantes • In next years must be intiate a gradual replacement program for helicopters • A study about future endowment with new helicopters of Army, Air and Naval Forces is ongoing • To obtain data for the study, RoMoND had preliminary discussion (in a non-binding format) with companies such as: Airbus, Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Leonardo and Sikorsky • The involvement of national defence industry in RoMoND acquisition programs for helicopters is a mandatory objective MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE ARMAMENTS DEPARTMENT THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION! DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION? .