As reported by European Pravda, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry announced the transfer of a new military aid package to Ukraine on Saturday, April 20. According to the ministry, the equipment has already arrived in Ukraine.
https://twitter.com/Lithuanian_MoD/status/1781670775994405220
“We handed over the L-39ZA Albatros light attack aircraft in disassembled form to the Ukrainian armed forces,” the statement said.
As noted in the defense department, this attack aircraft was used in the Lithuanian Army to train fighter control officers who ensure the combat readiness of pilots.
According to Defense Express, this is the first time since the Russian war against Ukraine that Lithuania has officially transferred aircraft to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The L-39ZA is designed for a combat load of 1,100 kilograms, has four suspension units that can be used to attach blocks for unguided rockets or bombs. In addition, the L-39ZA is also armed with a 23-mm double-barreled GSh-23L aircraft gun with a 150-round ammunition capacity.
The format of possible use will depend on the decision deemed appropriate by the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Western countries need to stay focused
Earlier, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda expressed concern that Western countries were losing focus from Ukraine.
“I am concerned that we are losing focus on Ukraine. Last week, I met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Vilnius and he told me that Ukraine has an urgent need for air defense systems, artillery shells, and missiles,” the Lithuanian president said.
In addition, Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis noted the need to provide Ukraine with funds to strengthen its air defense.
“The West’s fear of escalating the situation by providing Ukraine with air defense equipment will allow Russia to use such hesitations in its favor,” the Lithuanian minister said.
Read more:
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