The Craiova Aircraft Factory is facing the risk of closure due to delays in the modernization of IAR-99 aircraft, the Ministry of Defense notifying the execution of the guarantee.

Craiova Aircraft, the only factory in Romania capable of producing and modernizing military aircraft, is in a critical situation, with the Ministry of Defense notifying the company regarding the execution of the warranty due to significant delays in the modernization program of the IAR-99 Șoim aircraft. The contract, worth 275 million lei, provided for the modernization of ten aircraft, but the Army has not received any operational aircraft so far. The Minister of Defense, Radu Miruță, severely criticized the company, stating that the repeated delays could lead to the factory's bankruptcy.

The company could be forced to return the advance payment and pay penalties of up to 30 million euros, which would pose a serious threat to its future. In the context of Romania speeding up its acquisitions of F-16 and F-35 aircraft, the blockage in Craiova becomes a strategic risk. The factory's director, Nicu Fălcoi, stated that the first modernized aircraft are almost ready, but acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, mentioning that penalties could lead to bankruptcy. Romania has recently received significant European funds for defense, but the future of the defense industry depends on the ability of Romanian companies to survive in this difficult period.