The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense has delivered an Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Albatros light attack training aircraft to Ukraine.
Delivered as disassembled parts, the plane was handed over as part of the country’s latest tranche of military aid to Kyiv.
The ministry shared that the platform was previously used by the Lithuanian Armed Forces as a training aircraft to ensure the combat readiness of fighter pilots.
🇱🇹🇺🇦Today, another shipment of Lithuanian military aid reached Ukraine. We delivered a disassembled light attack aircraft L-39ZA "Albatros" to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. L-39ZA "Albatros" was used in @LTU_Army to train fighter control officers, ensuring pilots' combat readiness. pic.twitter.com/sS3STsu8N2
— Lithuanian MOD 🇱🇹 (@Lithuanian_MoD) April 20, 2024
Lithuania’s support for Ukraine has reached over 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion), including capabilities such as drone jammers, anti-aircraft guns and ammunition, and armored personnel carriers.
The L-39ZA Albatros
Aero’s L-39ZA Albatros is an upgraded variant of the L-39 model equipped with sturdier landing gear, a 2,800-pound (1,300 kilograms) payload, and a 23 mm twin-barrel cannon capable of carrying a 150-round magazine.
The aircraft also has outer pylons that allow it to attach additional armaments such as Vympel K-13 and Molniya R-60 air-to-air missiles.
It can reach a maximum speed of 470 miles (750 kilometers) per hour and fly for up to three hours and 50 minutes.
Its other operators include Bangladesh, Bulgaria, and Nigeria.
