IAI offers Bulgaria "networked" Kfir Block 60 jets...

[Stratofreighter]

October 6, 2013 at 22:04

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is offering a modernized version of its 1970 era delta-winged Kfir Mach 2+ fighter aircraft.

Equipped with advanced avionics and mission systems that, the IAI claims its old fighter jet could rank in the same class of contemporary ‘fourth generation’ fighter jets.

According to sources at IAI, the company can deliver up to 50 Kfirs, configured to the newest ‘Block 60’ standard, utilizing airframes retired from IAF service in the 1990s.

These aircraft were mothballed in the southern Negev desert, and are in good condition for refurbishment.

Israel has offered these modernized fighter jet to Bulgaria, addressing Sofia’s planning to replace its MiG-21s and MiG-29s with western-compatible fighter jets.

...continues at http://defense-update.com/20131006_at-4 ... ghter.html

[SquAdmin]

Now THAT would be cool!

(although I don't think it will ever happen...)

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[Wildpicture]

That would indeed be something! Do it and send them over to use for exercises and rotations.

[PilotoRico]

Well well... it's the third time that IAI is offering the modified Kfir to Bulgaria in the past eight years ..... as they did with many many other countries. I am pretty sure no Kfir will enter any service with any European nation.

Cheers

[nils]

Although im sure technological the Kfir-Blk60 in on par with current 4th gen platforms, the aircrafts design and performance is outdated and is in pretty much the same position as the current upgraded MIG-21's, it doenst even have FBW?
besides, why would Bulgaria replace a 40 year old aircraft with another aircraft that pretty much the same age.

would be wiser to buy some secondhand F-16A/B MLU's or ex-Hellenic F-16C/D Block 30/40's (Greece can use the money).
Israel could also sell some of its older F-16A/B/C/D's or, if they want a more modern fighter, ex-South African JAS-39C/D Gripen's.

[Starman]

As for 50 a/c, well, there are about 20 canard equipped Kfirs in Israel, a few maybe in South Africa and unless the FAC have had enough with accidents, that´s about it.

[mart]

Although im sure technological the Kfir-Blk60 in on par with current 4th gen platforms, the aircrafts design and performance is outdated and is in pretty much the same position as the current upgraded MIG-21's, it doenst even have FBW?
besides, why would Bulgaria replace a 40 year old aircraft with another aircraft that pretty much the same age.

would be wiser to buy some secondhand F-16A/B MLU's or ex-Hellenic F-16C/D Block 30/40's (Greece can use the money).
Israel could also sell some of its older F-16A/B/C/D's or, if they want a more modern fighter, ex-South African JAS-39C/D Gripen's.

All logical option to me, except the last. Is South Africa selling its JAS-39C/D's already?
I am aware that th SAAF has 26 JAS-39 aircraft, 10 or less operational, 12 in long term storage and 6 qualified pilots.
But this is the first time I read about the possibility that they might be sold. Do you have more info?

[nils]

it was in the september issue of Air Forces monthly.
South Africa is selling its Gripen aircraft, mostly because South Africa has purchased the aircraft, but they did not sign a support contract with SAAB deu to budget cuts.
the same faith awaits the fleet of AgustaWestland AW-109LUH's, who are also grounded due to budgetcuts.

[Erik_7Xi]

Wasn't Bulgaria also offered some former USN S-3 Vikings about a decade ago? That also didn't go anywhere.