At this year’s NATO Days in Ostrava and the Czech Air Force Days, LOM PRAHA showcased a major milestone in pilot training modernization. After more than two decades of service, the Albatros L-39C and Zlín Z-142C AF are gradually being replaced at the Pardubice Flight Training Centre (CLV) by a new generation of training aircraft.
The fleet transformation includes the Aero L-39 Skyfox jet trainers and the ZLIN Z-242L Zeus and Z-143LSi Geniusturboprops. Four Skyfox aircraft are already in service, and an option for an additional four has just been exercised. Delivery of two aircraft is planned by the end of 2025, with two more to follow in 2026. Production of the new ZLIN aircraft is underway, with the first three units scheduled for delivery in October this year. The modernized fleet, presented in a new camouflage scheme, will provide advanced training capacities for both the Czech Air Force and international partners.
As Jiří Protiva, Director of LOM PRAHA, emphasized:
“This step ensures modern training capacities for the Czech Air Force while allowing us to offer training to international partners. By combining Czech-made aircraft with simulators developed by our subsidiary VR Group, we are not only strengthening national defense capabilities but also demonstrating the quality and innovation of the Czech aerospace industry to the global market.”
The modernization of the CLV fleet complements LOM PRAHA’s broader role in international aerospace cooperation. During NATO Days, VR Group signed an agreement with Lockheed Martin to establish a new multi-domain simulation center supporting the Czech Ministry of Defence and the F-35 program. In addition, LOM PRAHA and Charvát AXL signed a memorandum on the joint development and production of landing gear systems for civil and military applications.
Together, these steps mark a significant leap forward for Czech aerospace, ensuring cutting-edge pilot training, industrial innovation, and stronger partnerships with global defense leaders.
