Vietnam orders 12 L-39NG jet trainers
The Vietnam Ministry of Defence has signed an order with management company OMNIPOL to buy a fleet of 12 L-39NG jet trainers made by manufacturer Aero Vodochody Aerospace.
In a 15 February post on Twitter, OMNIPOL did not disclose the value of the contract but confirmed that aircraft deliveries will begin between 2023-2024.
Alongside pilot training the contract includes supply of spare parts, equipment for ground based training and logistics support.
The L-39NG has been developed from the older L-39 Albatross and received a military type certification in September 2020.
It has been designed to support light attack and reconnaissance missions, with features including four underwing pylons and an under-fuselage pylon for rockets and external fuel tanks.
The trainer is also under order from the Czech Republic, Portugal, Senegal and the US, according to Shephard's Defence Insight.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.