The Czech Republic sent aircraft that were being considered for Ukraine for repair
Фото: wikimedia
The Czech Republic has sent L-159 combat aircraft, previously considered for possible transfer to Ukraine, for repair. The work will continue until 2029.
This is reported by Armádní noviny.
The Czech company Aero Vodochody is carrying out the repairs. The eight aircraft in question are the L-159T1 and L-159T2 versions, which are in service with the Czech army.
The aim of the project is to extend the aircraft’s service life to 2,000 flight hours, which corresponds to approximately eight years of further service. The project is called PP2000.
The company emphasizes that the work does not involve modernization. These are standard measures defined by the manufacturer, which should ensure the safe and reliable operation of the L-159 fleet.
Aero Vodochody CEO Viktor Sotona explained that the company, as the primary manufacturer, has all the technical documentation, necessary know-how and supply chain to perform such work. Part of the overhaul will be carried out both in the Czech Republic and abroad – at the primary manufacturers of individual components.
After the repairs are complete, the aircraft will undergo ground and flight tests, receive a new camouflage color, and later return to their bases as part of the Czech Army.
As previously reported, the Czech aircraft manufacturing company Aero stated that it cannot manufacture new L-159 aircraft, which are of interest to Ukraine, due to problems with the supply of certain components.
As a reminder, in Prague, the three-party ruling coalition of the Czech Republic is discussing the possibility of transferring L-159 aircraft to Ukraine, which has sparked debate among some politicians. One of the consequences is that some coalition members have stated their position against such a transfer and sale of these aircraft.