The Czech Republic and Vietnam are reportedly negotiating a military procurement agreement that would include, among several items, more L-39NG advanced trainer aircraft.
According to Reuters, Hanoi and Prague are reportedly holding high-level talks to finalize major military acquisitions that would include aircrafts, radars, armored vehicle upgrades and firearms, a Czech government source said.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala was in Vietnam last week on a three-day visit, and according to the Czech government official queried, the most important component of the business delegation accompanying Fiala was made up of defense companies.
The first flight of the series L-39NG was excellent ????????Lasting 40 min. Verified the functions and behavior in all flight phases from take-off, and aerobatics to landing. Testing was from 0 to 8,500 meters and speeds from stall to the max. (Mach number 0.8 or 900 km/h). pic.twitter.com/f3NtMrZ0L0
— AERO Vodochody (@AERO_Vodochody) April 24, 2023
The former Soviet satellite state is seen as well positioned to meet some of Vietnam’s growing security needs, as its military enterprises excel at retooling and modernizing Russian materiel and often manufacture new equipment compatible with Soviet legacy weapons, a skill especially well regarded in Vietnam, where an estimated 80% of the local arsenal is sourced from Russia.
In early 2021, Vietnam ordered a dozen L-39NG advanced trainer aircrafts. The aircraft, manufactured by Aero Vodochody AEROSPACE, will be delivered during the period 2023 to 2024.
The contract includes, in addition to the aircrafts, the training of pilots, instructors, ground personnel and mechanics. It will also include the supply of spare parts for the aircraft, and the supply of equipment for ground training, logistics support or specialized airport systems. This will provide the customer with full pilot and ground crew training capability.
This contract builds on the historically successful deliveries to Vietnam during the 1970s and 1980s of other Czech aircraft: the Zlín Z-226, AERO AE 45 and the famous L-39 Albatros aircraft (also widely used by private aggressor companies). A total of 31 L-39s were delivered to Vietnam through OMNIPOL and their main purpose was to train new cadets.
The official told Reuters that Prague could support the transfer of arms technology and local manufacturing if significant supply agreements were concluded.
Of the 15 companies that made up the Czech business delegation, four were security firms. They were Czechoslovak Group, Colt CZ Group, OMNIPOL (which owns a minority share of Aero Vodochody, manufacturer of the L-39NG) and STV GROUP.
Omnipol officials also reportedly held talks in Vietnam about the possible sale of dual-use radars for installation at civilian and military airports.
