How does the newly received L-39ZA attack help the Ukrainian Air Force?

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense recently said that the L-39ZA light attack aircraft in a disassembled state was handed over to the Ukrainian Air Force as part of the next round of military support.

The press service of the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense published a photo of the plane being transported. The free supply of light assault assault vehicles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine was announced in the fall of 2021.

Following orders from the commander of the Lithuanian Army in April 2021, this aircraft was declared unusable due to problems. Specifically, it has been “on the ground” since 2019 until now due to engine failure.

Previously, two L-39ZA Albatros aircraft were used in Lithuania to train pilots. In addition, they also perform combat training missions and conduct flights in difficult meteorological conditions, day and night.

But one of the above mentioned L-39ZA collided in the air with a French Mirage 2000 fighter in August 2011, since then it has been completely unusable.

The plane crashed near Zokniai air base in northern Lithuania, in a forest in the Rekivy Lake wetlands. Fortunately, the two pilots were able to activate the ejection seats in time, while the French fighter also had to land but with very little damage.

It should be noted that the L-39ZA light attack aircraft was created on the basis of the L-39 Albatros training aircraft, but it has significantly added combat capabilities through the integration of additional weapons.

The main difference is the presence of a twin 23 mm GSH-2-23 cannon mounted in the nose of the aircraft, under the cockpit; and 4 instead of 2 underwing pylons to carry a variety of weapons including light bombs or unguided rockets.

According to the press in Kyiv, the above-mentioned light attacks will be of some help to the Ukrainian Armed Forces while waiting for Western F-16 fighter aid to be ready to participate in battle.

However, the above statement raises many questions, the first question is related to the fact that the plane has long lost its ability to operate and it will take a lot of time to take off again to repair.

Although the Ukrainian defense industry is still known for its ability to repair Soviet-era combat vehicles at a very good level, that was before the war broke out and their factories were still intact.

In the current situation, it is unclear how the Ukrainian side will have to bring the above mentioned L-39ZA back to a state of operational readiness. Things will only be simpler if they reserve engines and replacement equipment. .

But even when this L-39ZA is brought back into combat, its role in the Ukrainian Air Force is considered “faint”, because the aircraft’s capabilities are quite poor and not suitable for the task. current battlefield.

The L-39ZA assault attack is not capable of carrying guided weapons and has a low ammunition load, making it more suitable for fighting terrorism or separatist rebels, rather than a regular army with defense forces. no – powerful air force like Russia.