The Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody has unveiled the first L-39NG aircraft for the Czech Air Force.

This is reported by the company’s official page on the X network.

The aircraft with tail number 0529 was demonstrated at the airfield where it made its first flight.

This event marked the beginning of the preparation of L-39NG aircraft for the aviation training center at Pardubice airfield, where Czech pilots will be trained.

As part of the initial contract, the Czech Air Force will receive four aircraft of this type with an option to purchase an additional four aircraft in the future.

The total value of the signed contract is estimated at CZK 2.1 billion (USD 90.5 million) and includes support for the aircraft by the manufacturer, as well as additional equipment.

The aircraft themselves cost the Ministry of Defense CZK 1.3 billion (USD 56 million).

The planes will complement the L-159 training aircraft, which have been used in the Czech Republic since the early 2000s.

In addition to the Czech Republic, L-39s are currently being built for the Vietnam Air Force.

The first aircraft for Vietnam made its maiden flight in October 2023 from the Aero Vodochody airfield.

Vietnam became the first customer of this type of aircraft to replace the fleet of obsolete L-39C trainers that formed the backbone of the Vietnamese Air Force’s training aircraft.

Under the 2021 contract, Vietnam has ordered a total of 12 L-39NG aircraft to be delivered by the end of 2024. In addition to the aircraft themselves, the contract provides for the transfer of spare parts, the creation of additional infrastructure for their maintenance, as well as special airfield systems for the operation of these aircraft.