The Bulgarian Air Force has been replenished with a second upgraded L-39ZA

The Czech aircraft manufacturer AERO Vodochody has completed the modernization of the second L-39ZA aircraft for the Bulgarian Air Force.

According to the company, the aircraft has also undergone a complete overhaul to extend its service life.

The first aircraft was delivered last June.

The agreement for the repair and modernization was signed in December 2023 on the basis of a framework agreement in force since November 2022. It provides for the extensive modernization of individual aircraft systems and units.

In parallel with the modernization of the aircraft, the Czech company LOM Praha was tasked with repairing two AI-25TL jet engines installed on these L-39ZA aircraft.

The restoration of power plants is also part of the Bulgarian Air Force’s combat readiness improvement program.

The first two aircraft for overhaul were handed over to AERO Vodochody in January 2023. After completing work on the first pair, the repair of two more aircraft was announced last December.

During the modernization, the Bulgarian L-39ZA aircraft will receive new avionics, including modern navigation equipment, communication systems, and friend-or-foe identification systems. This will allow the aircraft to be used more effectively when integrated into NATO structures. The overhaul will extend the service life of each aircraft by 7.5 years or up to 1,500 flight hours, significantly increasing their service life without the need for major technical interventions.

The L-39ZA is a modification of the well-known L-39 Albatros training aircraft, which was actively used by the Warsaw Pact countries and later received a new lease of life.

The main difference between the ZA model is its combat capabilities. In particular, a twin-barrel 23 mm GSh-2-23 cannon is installed in the nose, and four underwing pylons are provided for weapons, ranging from unguided missiles to light bombs.

This version of the aircraft allows Bulgaria to effectively train pilots and use the L-39ZA as a light attack aircraft or a platform for reconnaissance and ground forces support. The transfer of the second upgraded L-39ZA was another step in strengthening the combat potential of the Bulgarian Air Force, especially in the context of strengthening NATO’s eastern flank.

However, these aircraft sometimes suffer accidents. Last year, an L-39ZA training and combat aircraft crashed during a rehearsal for an air show in Bulgaria.