British Pilots to use Czech L-159s for Offense Training

Aero Vodochody and combat aviation training specialist Draken Europe signed an agreement to support the Red Air Aggressor Training Service (IRAATS) project of the British Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) airshow, held at RAF Fairford from 15–17 July 2022.

Draken Europe’s L-159E eight-aircraft fleet will soon begin flying as the “adversary/aggressor” of the best pilots of the British Armed Forces to start implementing a recently signed agreement between Draken Europe and the RAF. The service is the first of its kind in the UK and represents a completely new training opportunity in the field of combat aviation training of RAF members. The collaboration between the two entities will not only support the IRAATS project, but will also focus on developing long-term maintenance, upgrade, training and logistical support for a squadron of L-159E aircrafts, nicknamed "Honey Badger" in NATO code.

The L-159 Alca incorporates changes in all areas from the design of the aircraft, integration of new avionic systems including a ‘glass cockpit’, passive protection systems, as well as the integration of Western weapon systems including the famous AIM-9 Sidewinder Air-to-Air missiles. The cockpit is designed in a similar manner as the F-16, including a HOTAS philosophy of the controlling of various systems so that the pilot can operate all critical systems without taking his hands off the controls. The aircraft is also equipped with powerful radar.

“The L-159 is a subsonic aircraft, which corresponds to the spectrum of tasks it can perform and thus contribute to the operational capabilities of the air force. In the context of airspace protection, it is effective against slow and low-flying targets – including unmanned aerial vehicles. A major advantage is the high-quality airborne radar,” noted retired Major General Bohuslav Dvořák, External Consultant of Aero.