The restoration and modernization of the L-39ZA Albatros jet, a multipurpose aircraft in the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) inventory, will greatly improve pilot training and operational proficiency, according to Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
During an official visit to the Czech Republic on February 23–24, 2026, Aneke revealed the information while reiterating the NAF’s dedication to modernization, independence, and strategic international alliances.
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the visit was a part of the Air Chief’s intentional attempt to use international cooperation to improve operational capability development, training, and maintenance in accordance with changing security realities.
Air Marshal Aneke reiterated the long-standing collaboration between Aero Vodochody Aerospace, the manufacturer of the L-39 series, and the NAF, especially with regard to the renovation and modernization of the L-39ZA aircraft.
He conveyed gratitude for the company’s technical assistance and emphasized the value of ongoing cooperation in the areas of technical know-how, training support, and spare parts supply.
Aneke stated, “Our partnership is anchored not only on platforms but on building institutional capacity and technical competence that will endure.”
The NAF’s planned switch from the outdated L-39ZA to the more sophisticated L-39 Skyfox, a contemporary jet trainer and light attack aircraft built to satisfy changing air operations requirements, was another topic of discussion.
The Air Chief emphasized the necessity of preserving pilot development continuity while integrating training systems with contemporary military dynamics during a tour of the production facility.
He pointed out that in order to ensure ongoing training output and operational preparedness during the transition time, modernization needs to be properly brought in.
The Czech Air Force and the Air Chief also had high-level discussions during which they discussed ways to increase training cooperation, build simulator capacity, and coordinate logistics for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing operations.
Aneke emphasized that modern defense alliances need to involve knowledge sharing and technology transfer in addition to equipment procurement.
“Innovation, regional capacity building, and strategic collaboration are key to the future of air power. We are concentrating on collaborations that improve our capacity for innovation, adaptation, and sustainability,” he stated.
The engagement was seen as “a meaningful step towards deepening military cooperation and advancing shared professional standards” by the Czech Air Force Commander.
The Nigerian delegation gained knowledge of cutting-edge flight simulators, parachute training systems, unmanned aerial solutions, and other cutting-edge technologies pertinent to contemporary air power through additional interactions with defense export stakeholders.
Air Marshal Aneke is establishing the Nigerian Air Force as a resilient, mission-driven, and internationally involved organization dedicated to preserving national sovereignty and promoting regional and global security through persistent defense diplomacy and planned modernization initiatives.
