European countries to collaborate on new joint trainer fighter: Eastern Eurofighter

01 Apr 12
European countries to collaborate on new joint trainer fighter: Eastern Eurofighter

Avioane Craiova of Romania, PZL Warszawa-Okęcie of Poland, Aero Vodochody, and Antonov of Ukraine, have reached a tentative agreement to explore the creation of a light weight aircraft that could operate in both training and fighter roles. With numerous cold war era training aircraft and fighters in need of a replacement, the governments of Romania, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Ukraine, have agreed to work together on creating the joint aircraft Eastern Eurofighter.

While specifications are not yet agreed upon, it is expected to be powered by either Ivchenko-Progress Engines from Ukraine, or a single engine from western manufacturers. It is expected that the aircraft will be capable of replacing TS-11, IAR-99, MiG-21, L-39 and L-159, and other aircrafts.