At the Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody series production of the new L-39NG is in full swing. The jet trainer is still a potential candidate for the successor to the Saab-105OE in Austriabut could soon also be deployed in Ukraine, as Aerody’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Filip Kulstrunk in an interview with the Czech military platform CZ Defence reveals.
When asked whether the L-39NG would be suitable for missions in Ukraine, Kulstrunk replies: “Of course. Our aircraft is a modern multifunctional platform that can cover several functions, from pilot training to light combat and reconnaissance missions – and all of this is needed in Ukraine.” Kulstrunk continues: “In Ukraine, the air force knows and uses the L-39 Albatros, the predecessor of the L-39NG. The Ukrainian pilots have been training on the L-39 for several decades, they know the platform and have been satisfied with it for a long time. Our new L-39NG builds on it and takes the best of it – excellent flight characteristics, reliability and the highest level of safety – but brings many improvements and upgrades, starting with brand new materials that improve safety and flight characteristics, a new engine and modern avionics systems. The L-39NG in Ukraine would ensure the continuity of flight training, significantly increase training capacity and make the training of pilots for fourth-generation aircraft such as the F-16 or Gripen more efficient.”
“The L-39NG in Ukraine would ensure the continuity of flight training, significantly increase training capacity and make the training of pilots for fourth-generation aircraft such as the F-16 or Gripen more efficient.
”
The aero manager then refers to the possibility of using the L-39NG as a reconnaissance aircraft or as a light combat aircraft against ground targets as well as airborne, slow and low-flying targets such as drones. Kulstrunk: “The aircraft is not dependent on paved airfields and can also take off and land on unpaved areas such as meadows.” https://militaeraktuell.at/bundesheer-trainiert-mit-uebungsdrohnen/ Whether there are already European countries interested in purchasing the L-39NG for Ukraine (-> Current news from the war in Ukraine), the CZ Defense editor finally wants to know. Kulstrunk’s answer: “We believe that one of the countries will do so in the near future. The aircraft is an excellent solution for Ukraine, and costs only a fraction of other aircraft or weapons provided to Ukraine.” Postscript: “The L-39NG is definitely suitable for Ukraine and we are now trying to raise awareness in EU countries about the issue and the possibility of a government donating the aircraft to Ukraine.”
Click here for more news about Aero Vodochody.
