Czechia to Send L-159 Jets to Ukraine to Take Down Russian Drones

Czechia is preparing to transfer a number of combat aircraft to Ukraine specifically for countering Russian drones, according to President Petr Pavel. The announcement was made during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on January 16.

President Pavel stated that Prague could deliver “several medium combat aircraft” in a relatively short time frame. These jets, he noted, are “very effective against drones,” though he did not specify the exact model. However, Reuters recalls that in previous years Pavel had suggested the Czech-made L-159 ALCA light attack aircraft could be supplied to Ukraine.

“The Czech Republic can, in a relatively short time, provide several medium combat aircraft that are very effective in fighting drones, and I believe we will be able to resolve this quickly and successfully,” Reuters quoted Pavel as saying.

In addition to aircraft, Pavel mentioned that the Czechia could also provide early warning capabilities, including passive radar systems.

According to Defense Express, the Aero L-159 ALCA is a subsonic light attack and trainer aircraft developed by Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody. It is based on the earlier L-59 platform and incorporates advancements from the L-39 Albatros family.

The L-159 is capable of carrying up to 2.4 tons of munitions, including air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder and air-to-surface missiles like the AGM-65 Maverick. The aircraft can also deploy guided bombs such as the GBU-12 and JDAM.

The Czech Air Force operates 24 L-159s in single-seat and two-seat variants, primarily used for training and close air support missions. Their maximum speed reaches approximately 920 km/h, with a combat radius of up to 790 kilometers.

While not designed as frontline fighters, the L-159s are considered well-suited for targeting slow-moving aerial threats such as loitering munitions and drones.

Currently, the Czech Republic’s main fighter fleet consists of 14 Saab JAS-39 Gripen jets. The country has also signed a contract to procure 24 F-35s from the United States, with deliveries expected to begin after 2030.

Earlier, Czech volunteer group Skupina D launched a nationwide fundraising campaign to supply Ukraine with CHARLIE ONE drone-hunters—interceptor systems designed to shoot down Russian attack drones.

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