Czech volunteers have launched the “Operation Štefan” fundraiser to buy five training aircraft for Ukraine’s future military flight school. The Gift for Putin campaign is calling for public donations to purchase Czech-made Alto NG planes for pilot instruction.
Gift for Putin campaign aims to fund training aircraft for Ukraine
The Czech initiative Dárek pro Putina (Gift for Putin) announced the campaign on 21 August via social media platform X. The group said it is raising funds to acquire five Alto NG planes for Ukraine’s upcoming military pilot academy. According to their message, the aircraft would help train new pilots who could eventually protect not just Ukraine but all of Europe.
“Ukraine needs pilots. And they must learn to fly on something. Help us buy five Czech training aircraft Alto NG for the future Ukrainian military pilot school. Its graduates will one day protect us from Russia. Let’s help them grow. Let’s help them take off,” the campaign wrote.
Operation Štefan aims to provide training not only for current wartime needs but also for Ukraine’s long-term air defense, including in any post-war phase. The Alto NG, produced in Brno, was specifically selected by Ukraine as its preferred platform for basic military flight training, according to the campaign.
The Alto NG is a two-seat, single-engine aircraft with a metal frame. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 600 kg and is powered by a ROTAX 912 ULs engine. The plane features a simple design, low maintenance costs, and easy handling. Volunteers described it as optimal for pilot training.
Direct Fly, a Czech company, manufactures the Alto NG. The aircraft measures 6.30 meters in length with a wingspan of 8.20 meters. Its cruising speed reaches 180 km/h.