Draken completes first overhaul of L-159E aircraft

Aero supports L-159 fleet at home and abroad

Teesside/Vodochody, February 27, 2026 Draken and Aero Vodochody have successfully completed the first overhaul (or PP2000 prescribed work) of the L-159E aircraft, which Draken carried out in-house at its plant in Teesside, UK. Upon completion of the work, the aircraft was cleared for another 2,000 flight hours and eight operational flights.

This is a significant milestone in the cooperation between the two companies and confirmation of the long-term sustainability of L-159E aircraft operations in the United Kingdom. Draken uses these aircraft to provide Agile Red Air training, simulating the enemy during the training of Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots.

A joint solution tailored to British requirements
The overhaul was the result of close technical cooperation between Draken and Aero, with the Czech manufacturer providing expert staff training, complete technical documentation, and supply chain support. The entire process was adapted to the requirements of British civil aviation legislation, under which the aircraft are operated.

“The entire project confirms Aero’s ability to provide comprehensive support throughout the aircraft’s life cycle. We have established a functional and sustainable model for supporting the L-159E in the United Kingdom and look forward to further developing our cooperation,” said Michal Hrbek, Project Director at Aero Vodochody.

Draken obtained the ability to perform general repairs on its own based on an authorization agreement with Aero Vodochody. Under this agreement, Draken can perform repairs at its own facilities with expert support from technicians from the Czech manufacturer. This model also creates a platform for future modernization of L-159E aircraft according to customer needs.

“This cooperation represents significant progress in fulfilling our strategy to ensure the operation and further development of the L-159E fleet. I am proud of the technical level and teamwork demonstrated by both Draken and Aero. The success of this first overhaul confirms our confidence in the L-159E aircraft as a key element of our ‘Red Force’ fleet,” said Nic Anderson, CEO of Draken, during a meeting in Teesside, UK.

General overhaul of L-159E for Draken – overview of work

• 369 components inspected, tested, or refurbished
• 97 zone inspections
• 90 technical queries resolved
• Implementation of several depot service bulletins

General repairs for the Czech Armed Forces
Aero Vodochody recently commenced the prescribed PP2000 program work on two-seater L 159 aircraft operated by the Czech Air Force. The project involves a total of eight aircraft and will ensure their continued safe and reliable operation in the coming years. The work will continue until 2029.

As in the case of the aircraft for Draken, the aim of the project is to carry out all the work necessary to restore the aircraft’s operating life to 2,000 flight hours, or eight years of aircraft component operation. This is not a modernization of the aircraft, but technically necessary work prescribed by the manufacturer, which is a condition for their continued operation in accordance with applicable aviation regulations.

AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. focuses on the development, production, maintenance, and modernization of civil and military aircraft. It is the largest aircraft manufacturer in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest aircraft manufacturers in the world. In the field of its own aircraft, Aero is a permanent partner of a number of military air forces and has a strong position in the market for military training and light combat aircraft. Thanks to the 11,000 aircraft it has manufactured over the course of its 100-year existence, hundreds of L-39 Albatros aircraft still in use by dozens of military operators and a number of demo teams, and especially thanks to its new L-39 Skyfox aircraft, Aero is positioning itself as a leader in the global market for jet training aircraft. In the field of civil aviation, Aero cooperates with major aircraft manufacturers on a wide range of projects and is a partner in several risk-sharing programs, where it is responsible not only for the production and assembly of aircraft components, but also for their development.

Contact:
Lukáš Hora, External Relations & Communications Manager
e-mail: lukas.hora@aero
mobil: +420 608 974 258
www.aero.cz
Facebook: @aerovodochody
X (Twitter): @AERO_Vodochody
LinkedIn: @Aero-vodochody-aerospace-a.s.