Aero Vodochody and Saab sign deal to develop commonality between L-39NG and Gripen
The Hungarian Air Force operates 14 Gripen JAS-39 fighters aircraft. (Photo: Saab)
In April 2022, the Hungarian government’s commissioner for defence development, Gáspár Maróth, announced the procurement of 12 L-39NGs. The contracts have reportedly been signed and the first aircraft were expected be delivered in 2024.
Saab Aerospace and Aero Vodochody have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to look at the adaptation of the Czech company’s L-39NG trainer/light attack aircraft to create greater commonality with Gripen JAS 39 multirole fighter aircraft. The companies will keep an eye on Hungary which operates Gripens and is buying L-39NG.
The work will look at the feasibility of aligning the two aircraft and explore the possible adaptation of L-39NG to meet the needs of the Hungarian Air Force.
The companies said the primary objective of the cooperation, where Saab has the role of subcontractor to Aero, was to conduct a feasibility study for a modification of the L-39NG aircraft to enable Hungarian pilot training from basic to advanced training.
“The results of the first phase of the collaboration will be subsequently used for a comprehensive joint study aimed at developing a new pilot interface and avionics system for the L-39NG aircraft to make it compatible with the Hungarian JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft,” the companies said.
The two companies have previously worked together. In 2008, they entered into a collaboration on the L-159 combat and training system and, in 2009, Aero began supplying the JAS 39 Gripen aircraft with pylons used to carry various weapon systems or fuel tanks.
In 2011, the cooperation continued with the production of three more types of pylons, which were fully assembled and tested at Aero.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK to receive 27 additional F-35 aircraft by end of decade]()
UK to receive 27 additional F-35 aircraft by end of decade
The number of aircraft was stated by UK Defence Secretary John Healey during a Defence Committee hearing. It follows on from the UK’s decision to purchase F-35A aircraft to boost its nuclear deterrence, although hurdles and questions about the order still remain.
-
![What lessons could Europe learn from air power use in Ukraine?]()
What lessons could Europe learn from air power use in Ukraine?
The use of air power by both sides in the ongoing conflict has been extensively focused on, influencing policy and procurement around the world. But are the lessons from the front line universally applicable, or should other nations be planning for very different scenarios?
-
![Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft]()
Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft
Six Super Tucano aircraft were ordered in July 2024, with Paraguay the fifth South American country to add the aircraft to modernise its fleet.
