Lithuania handed over a L-39ZA light attack aircraft to Ukraine

20 April, 2024 Lithuania transferred the L-39ZA light attack aircraft to Ukraine. April 2024. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Lithuania

The Lithuanian military delivered and transferred the L-39ZA light attack aircraft to the Ukrainian Air Force. "The aircraft in disassembled condition was transferred within the framework of the next batch of military support", the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense said on April 20. The press service of the Lithuanian defense department published a photo of the transportation of the aircraft.

The free transfer of light attack aircraft to the Armed Forces of Ukraine was announced in the fall of 2021. By order of the commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces in April 2021, the aircraft was declared unusable due to a malfunction. This Albatros has not flown since 2019 due to an engine failure.

L-39ZA light attack aircraft in disassembled condition, which Lithuania handed over to Ukraine.

April 2024. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Lithuania

Previously, two L-39ZA Albatros were used in Lithuania to train pilots acting as air police. And also, to provide combat training and training flights in difficult meteorological conditions day and night.

Military aid to Ukraine from Lithuania.

April 2024. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Lithuania

But one of them collided in the air with the French Mirage 2000 fighter in August 2011, since then it has become completely unusable. The plane fell near the Zoknyai air base in northern Lithuania, in a forest, in a swampy area, near Lake Rekiva.

The pilots managed to eject. The French fighter managed to land. Only stabilizers were damaged.

L-39ZA was created on the basis of the L-39 training aircraft. The main difference is the presence of a GSh-2-23 double-barreled 23mm gun mounted in the forward fuselage under the cockpit, and four instead of two underwing pylons for suspension of various weapons - light bombs or unguided missiles.

Counter-drone systems from Lithuania for the Ukrainian military. March, 2024.

Photo credits: Lithuanian Ministry of Defense

Lithuania, in response to Ukraine's requests, has already supplied 155mm ammunition, M577 armored personnel carriers, anti-drone systems, generators, equipment necessary for the winter season and tens of thousands of sets of warm clothes.