Czechia's Armed Forces are ready to provide Ukraine with 4 L-159 aircraft
Karel Řehka, Chief of the General Staff of Czechia's Armed Forces, has said that handing over four L-159 aircraft to Ukraine would not undermine the country's defence capabilities or security. He recommends the government donate them free of charge.
Source: Novinky.сz, a Czech online news portal, citing Karel Řehka
Details: Řehka supported comments by Czech President Petr Pavel, who recently reiterated his desire to pass the aircraft to Ukraine's defence forces. Řehka declined to comment on statements by Czechia's defence minister and prime minister, who oppose the sale or transfer of the light attack aircraft.
The Czech forces have a total of 24 L-159 aircraft.
Quote: "I confirm that the Czech Armed Forces are ready to allocate the four mentioned aircraft for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and I therefore recommend providing them as a gift."
More details: A final decision rests with the Czech government, which has previously spoken out against any transfer. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said that the aircraft cannot be handed over because the Czech military needs them. Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna says they cannot be sold.
President Pavel first raised the possibility of transferring L-159 aircraft in May 2023, when it was expected that the jets be used to support the Ukrainian forces during a planned counteroffensive.
The L-159 ALCA is a multi-role light combat aircraft produced by Aero Vodochody, a Czech aircraft company. It is derived from the Aero L-39 Albatros trainer. Light combat aircraft are used for close air support, light attack missions and reconnaissance and can also be employed against attack drones.
The aircraft can carry up to 2,340 kg of rocket and bomb payload, including AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, AGM-65 Maverick missiles and GBU-12 Paveway II and GBU-16 Paveway II laser-guided bombs.
Background: Chief of General Staff Karel Řehka recommended the Czech government to transfer 30 T-72M4 CZ tanks to Ukraine.
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