The IAR 99[1] Șoim (Hawk) is an advanced trainer and light attack aircraft capable of performing close air support and reconnaissance missions.

A large blade-type antenna installed beneath the nose on the port side of the fuselage gives the IAR 99 trainer a distinctive appearance.

Aircraft 708 and 709[3] were modified by installing Honeywell avionics, while the canopy was changed to a two-piece design instead of the original one piece.

The avionics package is compatible with 5th generation fighter systems and it is inspired by the MiG-21 Lancer upgrade but adapted to IAR 99 needs.

On 6 August 1998, the Romanian Government approved the introduction into series production of the upgrade program for 24 IAR-99 Șoim out of which 4 were supposed to be delivered by 2001.

The Romanian Ministry of National Defence signs a contract for those 24 aircraft on 20 April 2000, reducing that number to 12 on 14 December 2000.

These were delivered between 2003 and 2008,[6] gradually replacing the L-39 Albatros' in service with the Romanian Air Force's training school.

[10] In December 2020, Elbit Systems announced they were awarded the contract to upgrade the remaining 10 IAR 99 Standard airframes in service with the Romanian Air Force.

[12] The aircraft has a tandem-stepped dual-control cockpit equipped with Martin-Baker Mk 10 zero-zero ejection seats.

The advanced avionics suite, including communications, navigation, identification systems and the cockpit configuration, are similar to those of the MiG 21 LanceR and F-16 fighter aircraft.

Data from Avioane Craiova SA,[4] Jane's all the World's Aircraft 2004-05[25]General characteristics Performance Armament