The L-39NG demonstrator arrived in Algeria to undergo a testing campaign, with the potential purchase by the Algerian Air Force, which is currently seeking its future training jet to replace the Yak-130.
The Algerian Air Force has been using the L-39 as a training aircraft and for ground attack missions for over twenty years.
The L-39NG, manufactured by Aero Vodochody, vastly differs from its original version. It is equipped with a Williams FJ44-4M engine, which consumes less fuel, increases its range by 2000 km, and extends its flight endurance to over four hours.
The L-39NG, manufactured by Aero Vodochody, is a versatile aircraft. In addition to the engine, it features a full-glass cockpit and upgraded avionics. It can accommodate jamming pods, targeting pods, and an optronic ball, making it suitable for reconnaissance missions. It can also carry both NATO and Russian bombs and, with the pod, fire-guided bombs, making it adaptable to various mission types.
If selected by the Algerian military, it will be a significant asset for training fighter and bomber pilots and replacing their inoperable YAK-130.
Cirium fleets data shows that 123 of the current Yak-130 trainer models are in service with the Russian air force. The type is also operated by export customers Algeria (16), Bangladesh (13), Belarus (11), Iran (2), Laos (4), Myanmar (18), and Vietnam (12).
The Yak-130 has been involved in multiple crashes in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Belarus. It has known issues with its flight control system and avionics.
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