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.

The L-159 is being equipped with Israeli avionics, including an IAI Elta multi-mode radar and datalink. It is offered in single and two-seat versions. Giuseppe Giordo, Aero Vodochody president and CEO, said, "Together with IAI, Aero will be ready to offer aircraft with the best available technology. The agreement brings us together with a strong international partner with access to new potential customers.” The L-159 was previously offered with a Leonardo Grifo radar, and Giordo was a key executive in Leonardo predecessor companies until he joined Aero in 2016.

IAI's virtual training solutions will be offered with the L-39NG. A prototype flew last year, and Aero Vodochody announced earlier this month that Senegal would be the first export customer, with an order for four. The Czech company claims that the L-39NG is “the only platform on the market capable of meeting most of the pilot training syllabus including the advanced portion.” The aircraft for Senegal will be delivered from early 2020, with the light attack capability that Aero is developing. “Currently we have two additional contracts [for the L-39NG] in a very mature state of negotiation,” Giordo said.