AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE, a Czech aerospace manufacturer, reconnects with the African aerospace market by presenting its Aero L-39NG at the Egyptian Air Show. The Aero L-39NG is the modernized successor to the L-39 Albatros. The L-39NG meets operational and training needs, making it an option for countries seeking to enhance their defense capabilities.
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AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE, is presenting its Aero L-39NG at the Egypt Airshow. (Picture source: AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE)

Aero Vodochody's renewed interest in Africa aligns with the growing demand for training aircraft on the continent. "Egypt is a strategically located country that plays a central role in regional security and defense," said Viktor Sotona, Chairman of the Board and President of AERO Vodochody. "We have historical ties with Egypt, dating back to the 1960s. The growing demand for modern training aircraft makes our ongoing cooperation ideal."

The L-39NG has dual capabilities, offering both training and light combat missions. With its ability to accommodate various weapon systems, this aircraft supports missions such as ISR operations and close air support. Its ability to operate for up to four hours further enhances its suitability for operational environments.

Strengthening Regional Capabilities

The presence of the L-39NG at the Egyptian Air Show highlights Aero Vodochody's strategy to sell aircraft and strengthen regional support structures. Filip Kulštrunk, Aero's Executive Vice President, emphasized the aircraft's unique advantage: "The L-39NG is the only advanced training aircraft capable of offering both Western and Eastern avionics platforms, allowing for an easy transition between these systems."

Aero Vodochody plans to work closely with the Egyptian Air Force to integrate the L-39NG into its training programs. Additionally, the company is exploring the establishment of an Egyptian maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center, which would enhance local support and operational efficiency.

Aero Vodochody has a proven track record in Africa, with recent projects including the delivery of three modernized L-39ZA Albatros jets to Nigeria and the introduction of the L-39NG in Senegal. In 2019, Aero Vodochody made Senegal the first customer of the L-39NG in its Light Attack configuration. Beyond Africa, the company has also made inroads into the global market, with supply developments in Vietnam and the Czech Republic. Vietnam became the first country to integrate Aero's new L-39NG training aircraft.

In 2023, Aero Vodochody enhanced its production capabilities by opening a new production line dedicated to the aircraft's fuselage. The new line is expected to increase Aero's manufacturing capacity to 24 aircraft per year within two years, meeting the global demand from customers.

AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE, is presenting its Aero L-39NG at the Egypt Airshow. (Picture source: AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE)

The Aero L-39 Albatros has been an export success in Africa, with several African countries already operating this aircraft, including Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, the Central African Republic, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Libya, Mali, South Sudan, Tunisia, and Uganda.

Meanwhile, Algeria, which has a growing military presence, is exploring the acquisition of the L-39NG, an advanced training aircraft, to replace its aging fleet of L-39 Albatros aircraft. The L-39NG demonstrator, manufactured in the Czech Republic, arrived in Algeria this week to begin a series of test flights aimed at assessing its suitability for the Algerian Air Force's training needs. The Algerian Air Force has a long history with the L-39 Albatros, having operated 54 of these aircraft for more than two decades. While the Albatros has fulfilled its role well, the L-39NG represents a significant improvement in terms of technology and capabilities.

Similarly, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is considering acquiring the new L-39NG advanced training and light attack aircraft from the Czech Republic, according to the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar. In a publication titled "Chief of Air Staff's Memo to Aviators," the CAS revealed that he had discussed the possibility of continuing to upgrade the existing NAF fleet of L-39ZA Albatros aircraft and acquiring the new L-39NG aircraft with the Czech Chief of Air Staff during a visit to Prague in September 2023.

Furthermore, Ghana's intention to purchase six L-39NG Albatros light attack and training aircraft from the Czech company Aero Vodochody is delayed due to funding constraints. Ghana's Defense Minister requested parliamentary approval on August 2, two years ago, for the acquisition of six L-39NG aircraft, in a deal worth 111 million euros ($132 million) that covers associated products and services, as well as a ground training system and the six aircraft. The acquisition was reviewed and approved by the Ghanaian Parliament's Defense and Interior Committee on December 17, 2021.