Hungary purchases light aircraft from Zlin

Hungary's ministry of defence (MoD) has purchased four light training and reconnaissance aircraft from Zlin Aircraft, the MoD told IHS Jane's.

Hungary has bought two Zlin Z-242L two-seat basic training aircraft (pictured) and two Zlin Z-143LSi four-seat reconnaissance/utility aircraft for its air force. (Zlin Aircraft)

The piston engine aircraft, two Z-242L two-seat basic training and two Z-143LSi four-seat reconnaissance/utility aircraft, are scheduled to arrive at the Szolnok Helicopter Base by the end of March.

The purchase comes after the Czech company won a tender launched by the MoD in 2016. The total value of the sale, including the aircraft, ground components, and training for pilots and ground crew, is about USD1.8 million.

The new Z-143LSi aircraft will replace the Hungarian Air Force's (HunAF's) old Yak-52s, which were commissioned in 1994. In 2015 a Yak-52 crashed due to engine trouble with one pilot suffering serious burns. The two Z-143LSi aircraft will boost the reconnaissance capability of the HunAF, which is badly needed due to the country's low number of helicopters.

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