Under a contract previously awarded by the Ministry of Defense of Iraq, Aero Vodochody has completed the L-159 conversion training of the third group of the Iraqi Air Force pilots.

The conversion training of the L-159 pilots, ground staff and instructors included theoretical part and flight training.

It also included basic conversion and weapon training, as well as emergency procedures, according to the company.

Aero Vodochody president Giuseppe Giordo said: “Satisfaction with the L-159s and their deployment in combat operations is not the only aspect of successful cooperation between Aero and its customer.

“Aero proves its quality and competitiveness by being able to offer comprehensive services, including flight personnel training, aircraft maintenance services, and other customer support.”



Aero Vodochody said it currently continues to train Iraqi ground personnel and flight instructors.

Under a contract awarded in 2014, Iraq received ten single-seat L-159As and two two-seat L-159T1s from Aero.

“Aero proves its quality and competitiveness by being able to offer comprehensive services, including flight personnel training, aircraft maintenance services, and other customer support.”

To date, the Iraqi Air Force L-159s have completed several hundred combat flights.

The L-159 is a light multi-role combat aircraft that can perform a variety of air-to-air, air-to-ground and reconnaissance missions.

The aircraft is equipped with an advanced multi-mode radar for all-weather, day and night operations and can carry a wide range of Nato standard stores, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, as well as laser-guided bombs.

The two-seat L-159 is a derivate of the single-seat L-159, which is designed for advanced and operational/lead-in fighter training.

Image: The L-159 is a light multi-role combat aircraft that can perform a variety of air-to-air, air-to-ground and reconnaissance missions. Photo: courtesy of AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE as