As reported by DefenceWeb on July 25, Aero Vodochody has concluded maintenance work on three Nigerian Air Force (NAF) L-39ZA trainer and light attack jets, which have recently returned home: after a two-year overhaul, the three aircraft departed the Czech Republic for Nigeria on 17 July, Key Publishing reports.
In 2020, the three L-39ZAs were transported to the Czech Republic for a general overhaul and avionics upgrade at the Aero Vodochody facility in Prague, Defence Web reports. US company Genesys Aerosystems has upgraded the avionics that includes a Czech-designed Speel head-up display (HUD). The work was carried out in conjunction with a small NAF team.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) flies around nine L-39ZAs, out of two dozen it received in 1986 and 1987. It has been taking over maintenance and repair work on its L-39ZAs, Alpha Jets, F-7Mi fighters and C-130H Hercules transports.
Nigerian Air Force L 39ZA Albatross jets upgraded in Czech Republic now back home 3After a two-year overhaul, the three L-39ZAs departed the Czech Republic for Nigeria on 17 July (Picture source: Military Africa via Lionel Ekene)