Bulgaria has received the first modernized L-39ZA light attack aircraft from the Czech company Aero Vodochody.
The company published the corresponding photos and announced the news on its Facebook page.
The L-39ZA underwent a significant overhaul and received updated onboard equipment, which ensured its continuous reliability and extended its service life.
In December of the previous year, the company disclosed that it had executed an agreement with the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense to partially modernize and overhaul two L-39ZA aircraft.
The framework agreement, which was applicable for four years and was signed in November 2022, served as the foundation for the contract.
The Czech company LOM Praha will refurbish two AI-25TL jet engines that are installed on these light attack aircraft as part of the December contract with Aero Vodochody.
In January 2023, Aero Vodochody received the initial two aircraft that were designated for overhaul and modernization. Subsequently, in December, the repair of two additional L-39ZA aircraft was announced.
During the modernization process, the Bulgarian aircraft underwent a substantial upgrade, which involved installing high-quality Western avionics. This upgrade improved the navigation, communication, and identification systems.
The overhaul will extend the aircraft’s inter-repair interval by 7.5 years or 1,500 flight hours.
The L-39ZA was developed from the L-39 Albatros training aircraft. The main difference is the inclusion of a dual-barrel 23-mm GSh-2-23 cannon in the nose section beneath the cockpit. There are also four underwing pylons instead of two, which can be used to deploy a variety of weapons, including light bombs and unguided rockets.
