Aircraft & UAVs

L-159 ALCA

The L-159 ALCA is a Czech single-engine subsonic light attack aircraft developed by Aero Vodochody from the Albatros trainer family. Iraq acquired the type during the war against Islamic State, using it for close air support and strike missions around Mosul while Czech personnel helped Iraqi crews integrate the aircraft.

War in Iraq (2013-2017)Iraqi government and coalition forces

Conflict side: Iraqi government and coalition forces
Built by: Aero Vodochody
Built in: Czech Republic

L-159 ALCA, Light attack aircraft / advanced trainer, Aircraft & UAVs

Image source: Aero.L159a.arp.jpg

Profile

Type: Light attack aircraft / advanced trainer
Conflict side: Iraqi government and coalition forces
Origin: Czech Republic
Service note: Introduced in 2000; Iraqi Air Force deliveries began during 2015-2016

aircraft close air support strike NATO

Service History

In service: Entered Czech Air Force service in 2000; exported to Iraq from 2015
Used by: Czech Air Force, Iraqi Air Force, Draken International
Wars: War in Iraq (2013-2017)

Production History

Designer: Aero Vodochody
Designed: 1990s
Built by: Aero Vodochody
Built in: Czech Republic
Produced: 1997-2003; resumed production and refurbishment for export customers in the 2010s
Variants: L-159A single-seat light attack aircraft, L-159T1 two-seat trainer, L-159E export/aggressor aircraft

Specifications

Crew: 1 in L-159A; 2 in L-159T trainer variants
Engine: AlliedSignal/ITEC F124-GA-100 turbofan, 28 kN thrust
Maximum speed: 936 km/h
Service ceiling: 13,200 m
Range: 1,570 km without additional fuel tanks; 2,530 km with additional fuel tanks
Hardpoints: Seven total hardpoints with up to 2,700 kg external stores
Avionics: Grifo-L pulse-Doppler radar, GPS/INS navigation, HUD, and multifunction cockpit displays
Armament: Compatible with bombs, rocket launchers, air-to-ground missiles, air-to-air missiles, and reconnaissance or electronic-warfare stores

Conflict Usage

War in Iraq (2013-2017): Side: Iraqi government and coalition forcesRole: Close air support and light strikeclose air support strike
Iraqi L-159 ALCA light attack aircraft were delivered during the anti-Islamic State campaign and were reported in October 2016 conducting strikes near Mosul, with Czech advisers supporting Iraqi operation of the type.

L-159 ALCA Images

L-159 ALCA, Light attack aircraft / advanced trainer, Aircraft & UAVs - view 1 — Source: Aero.L159a.arp.jpg

L-159 ALCA, Light attack aircraft / advanced trainer, Aircraft & UAVs - view 2 — Source: Aero L-159 ALCA IMG 2984

L-159 ALCA, Light attack aircraft / advanced trainer, Aircraft & UAVs - view 3 — Source: Aero L-159 ALCA IMG 2984

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Sources

Aero L-159 Product PagePublisher: Aero Vodochody | Note: Supports L-159 manufacturer background, mission set, customer context, and technical specifications. | Accessed: 2026-06-22 L-159 ALCAPublisher: Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces of the Czech Republic | Note: Supports L-159 role, avionics, armament description, engine, range, payload, dimensions, and speed specifications. | Accessed: 2026-06-22 Aero Vodochody Annual Report 2024Publisher: Aero Vodochody | Note: Supports War in Iraq (2013-2017): L-159 aircraft delivered to the Iraqi Air Force in 2015-2016 and fielded by Iraq in operational missions shortly after delivery. | Accessed: 2026-06-22 Letouny L-159 poprvé v boji proti islamistůmPublisher: ČT24 | Note: Supports War in Iraq (2013-2017): L-159 aircraft used by Iraqi forces for strikes near Mosul against Islamic State in October 2016. | Accessed: 2026-06-22 Aero.L159a.arp.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports primary image provenance: Czech Air Force L-159A photographed by Adrian Pingstone and released to the public domain. | Accessed: 2026-06-22 Aero L-159 ALCA IMG 2984Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports gallery image provenance: L-159 ALCA photograph reviewed as Creative Commons Attribution 2.0. | Accessed: 2026-06-22 Aero L-159 ALCA.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports gallery image provenance: L-159 ALCA photograph licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0. | Accessed: 2026-06-22