Aero Vodochody announced that the new variant of L-159 jet trainer is developing. The platform, called F/A-259 Striker, is being developed for the USAF for OA-X light attack aircraft. In June, the company signed a cooperation agreement with IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) for the development of an advanced variant of the L-159, the new platform will be ready for delivery in 2020. This platform will be equipped with a fourth generation avionics suite. Company also noted that the F/A-259 platform offers the lowest risk option among other offers.

The F/A-259, which will be powered by one F124-GA-100 engine, is expected to have the highest thrust / weight ratio in its class. The platform will has colored multifunctional displays (MFD) suitable with night vision goggles (NVG) and , HOTAS, SAR / GMTI (Synthetic Aperture Radar / Ground Moving Target Indication) systems, also include AESA radar and aerial refueling capability.  In addition, guided / unguided ammunition, short-range air-to-air missiles, rockets, 20 mm gun pod, targeting and reconnaissance pods will also be integrated to the aircraft. The company has announced that the performance data of the aircraft is planned as 0,82 Mach maximum speed, 10,400 ft / min climb speed, 43,000 feet service altitude and + 8 / -4G maneuverability.

USAF invited Textron Aviation and Sierra Nevada / Embraer for an exercise demonstration. Companies attended the exercise with AT-6 and A-29 Super Tucano aircrafts and exhibited their skills. Although the force has yet to agreed the program but USAF need about 350 of these type of aircraft.