Czech manufacturer delivers ten Alto NG trainers to Ukraine

Czech manufacturer Direct Fly has delivered ten Alto NG training aircraft to Ukraine, the company said. The two-seat, single-engine planes are meant to support both basic and advanced pilot instruction.

The trainers will help prepare Ukrainian pilots for eventual conversion onto Western combat aircraft such as the F-16 and Mirage 2000, according to the manufacturer.

Five of the aircraft were funded by the Czech government. The other five were financed through the "Gift for Putin" donation initiative. The project also covers training for Ukrainian pilots and mechanics on operating and maintaining the aircraft.

According to those involved in the program, the goal is to let more pilot training happen inside Ukraine itself, at lower cost, rather than sending trainees abroad for every stage of instruction. The available information gave no further details on delivery timing or where the aircraft will be based.