The Czech Republic is prepared to supply Ukraine with 16 modern L-39NG Skyfox aircraft, Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček announced following a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, according to iDNES.
According to the Czech minister, the delivery of four aircraft had already been agreed, while the two sides have now reached a preliminary agreement on supplying another 12.
During a visit to Kyiv in early 2026, Czech President Petr Pavel raised the possibility of transferring L-159 aircraft to Ukraine. However, the Czech governing coalition, comprising ANO, SPD and the Motorists party, rejected the proposal, citing the operational needs of the Czech military.
It later emerged that production of the L-159 had already been discontinued. Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody therefore proposed supplying Ukraine with the newer L-39NG Skyfox advanced trainer and light combat aircraft.
The Skyfox is equipped with a modern Williams FJ44 engine and upgraded avionics, making it particularly suitable for countering unmanned aerial vehicles. Additional aircraft could play an important role in strengthening Ukraine's air defences during the war. They could be deployed to intercept aerial targets, including cruise missiles and attack drones, as well as to protect troops and critical infrastructure.
The L-39NG Skyfox is an advanced training and light combat aircraft that can also serve as a drone interceptor. Its maximum speed is approximately 900 km/h, while its range reaches up to 2,590 km, with a flight endurance of up to 4.5 hours. The aircraft can carry a weapons payload of up to 1,640 kg, including armaments designed to engage ground and aerial targets. These may include 70 mm rockets and 12.7 mm machine guns for counter-drone operations. The estimated cost is up to $10 million per aircraft.
