British defense and aerospace firm Babcock has clinched a deal to support the French armed forces with a high-performance aircraft to be used for pilot training and testing.
Under the contract — the amount of which was not disclosed — Babcock will supply the L-39 aircraft to the French Test Pilot school (EPNER) for instruction, evaluation, and target simulation missions for the Direction Générale de l’Armement – Essais en Vol (DGA EV).
The DGA EV is the flight testing department under the French government’s defense procurement and development agency.
The aircraft will be used for various purposes, including adversary simulation roles, new and refresher training for the DGA EV servicing mechanics, as well as release flights for L-39 qualified test pilots and EPNER instructors.
“The contract is the first involving our L-39 aircraft and paves the way for further opportunities, particularly in operational training and the training of international pilots,” said Pierre Basquin, Babcock’s Chief Executive Aviation & CEO France.
L-39 Aircraft
The L-39 Albatros trainer and light fighter jet is made by the Czech company Aero.
It measures 12.1 meters (40 feet) long and 4.8 meters (15.6 feet) tall, with a wingspan of 9.5 meters (31 feet).
Depending on its configuration, its maximum speed is 620 to 750 kilometers (385 to 466 miles) per hour, a service ceiling ranging from 7,500 to 11,500 meters (24,600 to 37,700 feet), and endurance spanning 2.5 to over 3 hours.
The aircraft can cover distances over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).
In December 2024, Babcock acquired 11 L-39s to expand its international fighter pilot training offering in France.
Apart from the L-39, the company also provides the Pilatus PC-7 MKX training aircraft to the French Air and Space Force and the French Navy.
