Last upgraded light combat aircraft delivered to Czech Air Force
The L-159 fleet was redelivered to the Czech Air Force at regular intervals from September 2020 until the end of 2022. (Photo: Aero Vodochody)
Work on the L-159 Advanced Light Combat Aircraft included inspection and testing of parts, plus technical improvements to some components and functions of the aircraft.
Aero Vodochody has completed prescribed periodic work after 16 years of operation (PP16) on all 16 single-seat L-159 Advanced Light Combat Aircraft (ALCA) aircraft and handed the last one back to the Czech Air Force, the company announced on 19 January.
The contract covering the overhauls was signed between the partners in 2019.
The work has been ongoing at Aero Vodochody for the past two years and the last jet was handed over to the 21st Tactical Air Force Base at Caslav.
President and CEO of Aero Viktor Sotona said in a statement that the L-159 fleet was redelivered at regular intervals from September 2020 until the end of 2022 when the company completed the overhaul of the last aircraft.
The actual aerial handover of the last L-159 aircraft, however, was conducted in January 2023.
‘The great advantage of L-159s is their cost-effective operation, especially compared to supersonic aircraft, in a large number of different variants for combat tasks,’ he added.
The PP16 package included inspection and testing of all parts, including instruments, technical improvements to some parts and functions of the aircraft.
The L-159s were modified to use night vision goggles, which included adaptation of the cockpit and installation of interior and exterior lighting kits.
A new electronic display can replace other backup instruments and provide pilots with critical position, speed or descent data in the event of a primary system failure.
Besides the Czech Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force also operates the L-159 light attack aircraft.
Draken Europe also recently begun delivering the UK’s Interim Red Air Aggressor Training Service (IRAATS) for RAF pilots using the L-159E Honey Badger variant.
The L-159E flew for the first time to provide live threat replication against one of the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoons on 20 December.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![RAF Protector fleet grows as UK maritime surveillance role takes shape]()
RAF Protector fleet grows as UK maritime surveillance role takes shape
The RAF’s expanding Protector RG1 fleet could play a growing role in UK maritime surveillance following its first domestic operational sorties, with further aircraft deliveries scheduled through 2027.
-
![Leonardo details Proteus’s path to autonomous anti-submarine missions for the Royal Navy]()
Leonardo details Proteus’s path to autonomous anti-submarine missions for the Royal Navy
Leonardo’s integration of Shield AI’s Hivemind software could enable its Proteus uncrewed helicopter to conduct independent anti-submarine warfare missions, supporting the Royal Navy’s plans for a future hybrid air wing.
-
![Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production]()
Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production
By combining established manufacturing capacity with startup aircraft design, the partnership could offer an alternative approach to scaling military uncrewed aircraft production.
-
![European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans]()
European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans
Poland is seeking to update its transport helicopters as part of a wider military aviation modernisation programme, with EU funding requirements and NATO interoperability key considerations.
-
![Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships]()
Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships
Poland’s growing investment in UAVs highlights how recurring procurement contracts and continuous technological development can provide suppliers with sustained opportunities beyond initial acquisitions.
