Czech defence exporter OMNIPOL, a.s. and the Ministry of Defence of Vietnam have signed a contract for the supply of twelve L-39NG Jet Trainers. The contract includes the acquisition of 12 L-39NG aircraft, plus the training of pilots, instructors, ground crew and mechanics. Also included will be the supply of aircraft spare parts, as well as the supply of equipment for ground-based training, logistics support or specialized airport systems. This will give the Customer the capability of complete pilot and ground crew training. The aircraft, manufactured by Aero Vodochody AEROSPACE will be delivered during the period 2023 to 2024. The company did not disclose the contract value.
This contract builds on the historically successful deliveries, to Vietnam, during the 1970s and ’80s, of other Czech aircraft, namely, the ZlÃn Z-226, AERO AE 45 and the very famous L-39 Albatros aircraft. A total of 31 L-39s were delivered to Vietnam via OMNIPOL and their main purpose was to train new cadets. The world-famous Czech tradition in the military aviation industry continues with the new L-39NG aircraft. Consequently, positive, and proven experience with Czech aircraft. Especially being able to operate in harsh climatic conditions, is an important criterion for the purchase of the L-39NG by the Vietnam People’s Air Force.
The Aero L-39NG (“Next Generation”) is a Czech turbofan-powered military trainer and light combat aircraft currently under development by Aero Vodochody. It is a successor of the Cold War era Aero L-39 Albatros. Aero Vodochody rolled out the L-39NG in October 2018 and concluded flight tests in early 2020. The aircraft is equipped with a more powerful Williams International FJ44-4M engine, a modern glass cockpit and a lighter airframe than earlier models. It was first rolled out in October 2018 and completed flight trials in early 2020. The L-39NG can also be used as a light strike aircraft with five hardpoints that can carry air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, a wide range of bombs, as well sensors and a gunpod.
OMNIPOL is building on a very successful past reputation in the area of military aircraft exports, having been responsible for exporting, around the world, more than 2800 L-39 Aircraft. In addition to Vietnam, Aero Vodouchi is targeting other international operators of the L-39 platform as potential customers for the L-39NG. These include Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Mozambique, Nigeria, Russia, Slovakia, South Sudan, Syria Huh. Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
