Aero Vodochody Delivers Final Overhauled L-39ZA Aircraft to Bulgarian Air Force

Czech firm AERO Vodochody has completed the overhaul and partial modernization of four L-39ZA Albatros aircraft for the Bulgarian Air Force, with the final aircraft delivered in August.

The program was carried out under the terms agreed in a December 2023 contract. The first overhauled aircraft was handed over to Bulgaria in June 2024, following the transfer of the initial pair of jets to Aero Vodochody in January 2023.

The modernization included new avionics, navigation equipment, communication systems, and friend-or-foe identification (IFF), enabling smoother integration into NATO structures. Czech state-owned enterprise LOM Praha refurbished two AI-25TL engines powering the L-39ZA.

Each overhauled aircraft now has an extended service life of 7.5 years or up to 1,500 flight hours, according to the company.

The L-39ZA, a combat-capable modification of the L-39 Albatros, is equipped with a twin-barrel 23 mm GSh-2-23 cannon and four underwing pylons for carrying unguided rockets, light bombs, or reconnaissance gear. The type allows Bulgaria to both train fighter pilots and conduct light attack or support missions.

In September last year, an L-39ZA crashed during an air show rehearsal in Bulgaria.