Aero and LOTN want to work more closely together

The Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody and the Slovak state-owned company Letecké opravovne Trenčín (LOTN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that sets out the details of future industrial cooperation between the two companies. In the event of the acquisition of the L-39NG aircraft by the Slovakian army (Military News reported), the cooperation would include not only the production of parts for the new L-39NG aircraft, but also cooperation in the logistical support of these aircraft in Slovakia and in the provision of a ground-based training system. Aero Vodochody is offering the Slovak Air Force a strategic cooperation that includes both the training of military pilots and the delivery of new L-39NG aircraft. “LOTN is a traditional partner of Aero Vodochody and now there are many opportunities to expand this cooperation. Some parts of the L-39NG could be manufactured entirely in Slovakia, in particular the tail section, nose, air brakes and external fuel tanks. This would make LOTN one of the most important suppliers for the L-39NG. The signed memorandum also specifies other areas, such as the provision of services related to the operation of the L-39NG and participation in other Aero development projects,” said Jakub Hoda, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Aero Vodochody.

“LOTN is open to further industrial cooperation with Aero Vodochody. If the Slovak Ministry of Defense acquires the L-39NG, it would bring LOTN new contracts and jobs as well as interesting projects in terms of introducing new technologies in aviation,” said Ľubomír Galko, CEO and Chairman of the Board of LOTN. The prerequisite for the planned expansion of cooperation between Aero and LOTN is the acquisition of the L-39NG aircraft by the Slovak Air Force. Aero Vodochody offers Slovakia a strategic and cost-effective solution for the training of F-16 fighter pilots, which includes the acquisition of a total of ten L-39NG jet aircraft in a light attack variant and with an integrated virtual training system (VTS) from the Israeli company IAI.

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