Lithuania has handed over to Ukraine an L-39ZA Albatross military attack aircraft, which was previously used by the local air force to train officers. This is the first time that the Baltic Republic has supplied aircraft to our country.
The attack aircraft handed over to the Ukrainian Armed Forces was developed on the basis of the Czech L-39 Albatross combat trainer aircraft. The airplane was delivered to Ukraine disassembled by road.
🇱🇹🇺🇦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 the @LTU_Army to train fighter control officers, ensuring pilots’ combat readiness. pic.twitter.com/sS3STsu8N2
– Lithuanian MOD 🇱🇹 (@Lithuanian_MoD) April 20, 2024
The L-39ZA differs from the basic model by having four underwing pylons for suspending weapons and a twin-barreled 23-millimeter cannon with a 150-round ammunition capacity. Its combat payload is 1100 kilograms and its top speed reaches 761 km/h. The aircraft can be operated by one or two pilots.
This attack aircraft, which ceased production in 1999, is in service with more than 30 countries and is actively used in various military operations.
The transfer of such military equipment demonstrates the strengthening of military cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine in the context of growing geopolitical tensions.
