Fighter jets Ukraine could receive from Czechia: Expert breakdown
Illustrative photo: attack aircraft L-159 (wikipedia)
Czechia is considering transferring fighter aircraft to Ukraine that could be used to counter Russian drones. It is currently unknown which specific aircraft are being discussed, but this may concern the L-159 light attack aircraft, Defense Express reports.
The L-159 made its first flight in 1997. The single-seat version of the aircraft was commissioned into service with the Czech Air Force in 2001, and the two-seat version in 2007. According to open-source data, the Czech Air Force currently operates 16 single-seat L-159A aircraft and 8 two-seat L-159T aircraft.
The aircraft is equipped with a FIAR Grifo L onboard radar produced by the Italian company Leonardo and can also use the Litening targeting pod for the employment of precision-guided weapons.
The L-159’s armament includes guided and unguided aerial bombs, aircraft cannons, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles, as well as AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.
Analysts note that if these aircraft are transferred to Ukraine, they could primarily strengthen efforts to counter Russian strike drones such as the Shahed, which Russia widely uses to attack Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Czech President Petr Pavel stated that in the near future, his country will deliver combat aircraft to Ukraine that are capable of shooting down approaching drones.
