Cambodia looking at acquiring additional L-39 Albatross trainer jets

An Aero L-39 Albatross, this example with the Czech Air Force. Photo c/o Air Recognition.

The Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen announced during his state visit to the Czech Republic that the Cambodian government is looking to improve the capabilities of the Royal Cambodian Air Force (RCAF) including the acquisition of additional Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatross trainer jets.

This was confirmed by Czech Republic Prime Minister Andrej Babis, who also confirmed that discussions were made on the export of other military equipment to Cambodia.

The RCAF already acquired six (6) L-39 Albatross trainer jets, which it uses for air patrols and border security, and an additional 3 or 4 more units are planned to further improve the RCAF’s capabilities.

The earlier L-39s were bought in 1996 and will require upgrades soon.



[1] Phnom Penh Post
[2] Jane’s Defence Industry