Draken will develop a specialized maintenance and support program for Draken’s L-159 fleet, pivotal in training frontline pilots for air forces such as the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force.
Aero, the Czech aircraft manufacturer and leading adversary air training services provider Draken have formalized a strategic partnership, focusing on the enduring collaboration surrounding the L-159 aircraft. This agreement signifies a critical step in the evolution of both companies, with a primary emphasis on developing a specialized maintenance and support program for Draken’s L-159 fleet, pivotal in training frontline pilots for esteemed air forces such as the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force.
The agreement’s key components highlight the depth and significance of this collaboration. Aero is set to empower Draken by establishing the capability and authorization for depot-level inspection and maintenance procedures on-site in Draken Europe’s UK premises. This move not only ensures the self-sufficiency of Draken in maintaining its fleet of 23 L-159 “Alcas” but also cements the strategic principles guiding this collaboration, with a commitment to maximize the potential of these aircraft until their expected end-of-life service date in 2045.
“Through this complex contract, Aero will build up the capability and authorize Draken to carry out depot-level inspection and maintenance procedures of its fleet of Aero L-159 aircraft at the Draken Europe premises in the UK.” Said Filip Kulštrunk, executive vice president & Chief Commercial Officer, Aero.“We have also agreed key principles of strategic cooperation with Draken, through which we will ensure that the aircraft operated by Draken are used to their full potential until their end-of-life service date, which is expected in 2045. This contract is a testament to Aero’s flexibility and ability to develop complex industrial cooperation programs, including transfer of knowhow and capability in the area of long-term aircraft maintenance and support. We look forward to this newly established cooperation with Draken,” he further added.
Draken, known for its essential role in adversary air training, particularly with its L-159s operating in the UK, underscores the importance of these aircraft in daily sorties, simulating aggressor roles against advanced platforms like Royal Air Force F-35s and Eurofighter Typhoons. The L-159’s adaptability and modern avionic systems make it a formidable platform for such critical training scenarios.
This agreement serves as a testament to Aero’s flexibility and capability in establishing intricate industrial cooperation programs. Having secured comprehensive support contracts with all users of L-159 aircraft, Aero is positioned as a reliable partner in sustaining and enhancing the operational capabilities of these aircraft.
“The Aero L-159s are a key component of our fleet, flying sorties daily in an aggressor role against Royal Air Force F-35s, Eurofighter Typhoons, and other platforms.” describes Richard Stoate, Vice President Commercial and Supply Chain, Draken.“Through close cooperation with Aero, we will continue to meet the aircraft safety, performance and availability requirements set by our current and future customers,” he further added.
As the aviation industry grapples with the challenges posed by aging fleets, this collaboration signifies a proactive approach to address maintenance, support, and training needs effectively. Furthermore, Aero’s future plans to replicate this model with the L-39NG aircraft showcase a commitment to advancing aerospace capabilities and fostering long-term partnerships in the global aviation landscape.
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In conclusion, the Aero-Draken partnership not only sets a precedent for effective collaboration in the aerospace industry but also highlights the importance of sustained support and innovation for aging fleets, ensuring they continue to meet the demands of modern training and operational scenarios.
