Lithuania delivers Light Attack Aircraft L-39ZA Albatros to Ukraine.

On April 20, 2024, the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense announced via its X account that it had delivered a disassembled light attack aircraft, the L-39ZA Albatros, to Ukraine. This aircraft, previously used for training fighter control officers, will play a crucial role not only in training but also in combat within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
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Lithuania Light Attack Aircraft L-39ZA 'Albatros' delivered to Ukraine (Picture source: Lithuania MoD)

The Aero L-39 Albatros is a jet trainer developed in Czechoslovakia by Aero Vodochody. It was designed during the 1960s as a replacement for the Aero L-29 Delfín as the principal training aircraft. It was the first trainer aircraft to be equipped with a turbofan powerplant. The type was exported to a wide range of countries as a military trainer.

The L-39 Albatros later served as the basis for the updated L-59 Super Albatros, as well as the L-139 (a prototype L-39 with a Garrett TFE731 engine). A further development of the design, designated as the L-159 ALCA, entered production in 1997. To date, more than 2,800 L-39s have served with over 30 air forces around the world. The Albatros is the most widely used jet trainer in the world; in addition to performing basic and advanced pilot training, it has also flown combat missions in a light-attack role. At the Farnborough Airshow in July 2014, Aero Vodochody announced the launch of the L-39NG, an upgraded and modernised version of the L-39. The design never received a NATO reporting name.

The version of interest here, the L-39ZA, is an enhanced mid-version of the L-39 jet trainer designed in Czechoslovakia and equipped for combat missions. It includes a GSh-23L 23mm cannon, a reinforced structure for heavy military payloads, and advanced avionics for combat operations. Before the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine had about 50 L-39s, used for advanced training and light attack missions.

However, the current number of these aircraft in Ukraine is uncertain, as several have been shot down or damaged since the conflict began. Notably, an L-39 was shot down in February 2022, and two others crashed during a combat mission in August 2023, highlighting the challenges and losses suffered by the Ukrainian forces.

The Aero L-39 Albatros is a jet trainer with impressive technical and tactical characteristics. It can reach a maximum speed of 850 km/h at an altitude of 11,000 meters, and 755 km/h at 5,000 meters, with a low-level flight speed of 720 km/h. The aircraft has a maximum range of 1,000 km without additional fuel tanks, which extends to 1,750 km with these tanks added. Its flight ceiling reaches 11,500 meters, and it can climb at a rate of 22 meters per second even when armed. The flight duration with additional tanks is nearly 4 hours (3 hours 50 minutes), and 2 hours 30 minutes without. Powered by a ZMBD Progress (Ivchenko) AI-25TL jet engine with a thrust of 16.87 kN, the Albatros can support a maximum take-off weight of 4,700 kg, with an optimal take-off weight of 4,525 kg. The empty aircraft weighs 3,540 kg, has a wingspan of 9.46 meters including fuel tanks, a length of 12.13 meters, a height of 4.77 meters, and can withstand a maximum overload of -4 to +8 g.

The delivery of this light attack aircraft, L-39ZA Albatros, by Lithuania, aims to strengthen the defensive capabilities of Ukraine, enabling it both to support its defense line and to await the upcoming delivery of more sophisticated multirole fighter jets like the F-16s, which could significantly enhance Ukrainian air power.

Since 2022, Lithuania has provided considerable support to Ukraine in response to the Russian invasion, delivering extensive military aid. Notable deliveries include light arms and ammunition, including rifles and machine guns to bolster the combat capabilities of Ukrainian troops. Lithuania has also shipped air defense systems such as Stinger missiles, anti-tank equipment, including rocket launchers, and armored vehicles to improve mobility and protection on the front. In terms of financial support, nearly 15 million euros have been allocated to a rehabilitation program for injured Ukrainian military personnel. Training and advice have also been key components of the assistance, aimed at enhancing the skills and effectiveness of Ukrainian forces.

Lithuania Light Attack Aircraft L-39ZA 'Albatros' (Picture source: Wikimedia)