On April 20, 2024, the Ministry of Defense of Lithuania announced that it is transferring a new package of military aid to Ukraine, and this time it will be the L-39ZA Albatross attack aircraft.
This event is interesting not only because Lithuania is officially transferring aviation equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces for the first time throughout the entire duration of the russian federation's war against Ukraine. Another interesting aspect here is also the type of aircraft being transferred.
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The L-39ZA is a training-combat aircraft based on the L-39C, which can effectively be used as a light attack aircraft. It is designed for a combat load of 1100 kilograms and has four hard points where unguided rocket pods or bombs can be attached.
In addition, the armament of the L-39ZA also includes a 23mm double-barreled GSh-23L aircraft cannon with an ammunition capacity of 150 rounds.
In terms of other characteristics, the L-39ZA is essentially identical to the base L-39C Albatros.
Based on The Military Balance 2023 data, there were two active users of the L-39ZA in Europe: Slovakia - two aircraft in service + 1 in storage, and Bulgaria - a total of 6 aircraft, all currently undergoing modernization. According to open sources, there was one L-39ZA in storage in Lithuania.
As for Ukraine and the L-39ZA transferred from Lithuania, the potential utilization format will depend on the decision deemed appropriate by the Command of the Ukrainian Air Forces.
Read more: Lithuania Transfers M577 Command and Staff Vehicles to Ukraine
