Development of the L-410 was started in the 1960s by the Czechoslovakian aircraft manufacturer Let Kunovice. The Soviet airline "Aeroflot" was looking for a turbine-powered replacement for the Antonov An-2 aircraft, initiating the design development by Let. After preliminary studies of an aircraft called the L-400, a new version was introduced called the L-410 Turbolet. The first prototype, designated XL-410, flew on April 16, 1969. Because of delays in the development of a suitable Czech engine (Walter M 601), the prototype and first production version were powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27 engines.

After M601 development was completed, the PT-6 engine was replaced by Walter M 601 engines coupled with Avia V508 three-blade propellers and the next variant was introduced, the L 410M.