Aircraft
Aero Vodochody Partners With IAI To Equip and Sell Czech Jets
The L-159 and the L-39NG are now being offered with Israeli radar and avionics.
The prototype L-39NG (top) flies in formation with an L-159. (Photo: Katsuhiko Tokunaga via Aero Vododchody)
The prototype L-39NG (top) flies in formation with an L-159. (Photo: Katsuhiko Tokunaga via Aero Vododchody)

Aero Vodochody has joined forces with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to equip and market the L-159 light combat jet and L-39NG armed jet trainer. The Czech manufacturer has found only two export customers for the L-159, although it has been flying for 20 years. The L-39NG (“New Generation”) is a re-engined and upgraded version of the aircraft that became the standard jet trainer for the Warsaw Pact countries during the Cold War.