First Czech L-39NG customer urges Air Force to exercise options for four more
Czechoslovakia should consider options for an additional four Aero Vodochody L-39NGs, says military training provider LOM PRAHA, as the manufacturer’s first domestic customer saw its inaugural aircraft complete a flight…
June 12, 2024
Czechoslovakia should consider options for an additional four Aero Vodochody L-39NGs, says military training provider LOM PRAHA, as the manufacturer’s first domestic customer saw its inaugural aircraft complete a flight test demonstration.
Delivery of the Czech jet trainer aircraft is due to start to start this year, with president and CEO of Aero Vodochody Viktor Sotona explaining: “I am very happy that we were able to demonstrate the L-39NG aircraft produced for them in the air”. The flight took place one year after the start of serial production, with the first two aircraft set to be delivered by the end of the year, and the second pair slated for the middle of 2025.
The four L-39NGs will be used for basic and advanced training of Czech Air Force pilots from the Paradubice Aviation Training Center. Exercising options for four more aircraft would also “offer the necessary capacity for pilot training of our army in connection with the acquisition of the F-35 and also with the intention of LOM PRAHA to train pilots of NATO armies within the NFTE programme (NATO Flight Training Europe),” added Sotona.
LOM PRAHA has already received approval from Lockheed Martin, where the L-39NG is approved as a suitable platform for training to fly the F-35. “Currently, we are already intensively preparing our modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology and experienced personnel for the transition to the new L-39NG trainer aircraft,” explained Jiří Protiva, director of LOM PRAHA. This includes a ‘full mission simulator’ for the L-39NG.
