Babcock is preparing to field a batch of recently acquired used Aero Vodochody L-39s in support of training involving armed forces personnel.
The company last month announced that it had purchased 11 L-39s from French operator Apache Aviation, in a move which it says “strengthens our capabilities to support the training and development of air force pilots”.
To be operated from the company’s international fighter pilot training academy in Dijon, the aircraft will be used for tasks such as supporting fighter squadrons and surface ships, acting as aerial targets, and enabling the instruction of joint terminal attack controllers.
They also could be employed for “the training of future fighter pilots [and] retraining of already qualified fighter pilots”, the company says.
“The courses, designed and delivered by former fighter pilots from the French Air and Space Force, will be specifically tailored to the needs of international air forces and aligned with NATO’s standard operational procedures,” Babcock notes.
“Military pilot training is a critical component of our customers’ defence capabilities,” says Pierre Basquin, the company’s chief executive aviation and France chief executive. “Expanding our military training activity aligns with our ambition to support our customers’ needs, both in the short and long term.
“With our expertise and infrastructure, we deliver a complete training system which provides military pilots with a comprehensive training experience that reflects a real military flying environment,” Basquin says.
“By closely collaborating with our clients, we will ensure the continuous adaptation of our methods and tools to guarantee training that remains at the forefront of innovation.”
European Defence Editor Craig Hoyle has reported on the UK, European and international military aviation sector for almost 30 years, and has also been the Editor of Flight International since 2015. He joined FlightGlobal in 2003, and also compiles our annual World Air Forces directory.View full Profile
