L-39 Skyfox

The Aero L-39NG, designated as Skyfox, is a subsonic two-seat trainer aircraft developed by the Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody. It continues the legacy of the legendary L-39 Albatros, of which 2,900 units were produced over a span of 25 years. The Czech Armed Forces are expected to receive a total of four aircraft for the Air Training Centre, where they will serve as a platform for the transition to fifth-generation F-35 fighters.

Development began in 2015 and was divided into two phases. The first involved the modernization of the original Albatros through the replacement of its Soviet-era engine with the modern American Williams International FJ44-4M power unit, complemented by the installation of state-of-the-art avionics. The second phase saw the creation of an entirely new aircraft featuring a so-called wet wing—an integral fuel tank that significantly improved aerodynamic performance. Among its greatest advantages are its low acquisition price and operating costs compared to other aircraft in the same category, such as the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master or the Yakovlev Yak-130. While primarily intended for pilot training, it has also been designed for combat, patrol, and reconnaissance missions.

Series production commenced in 2023, involving nearly 600 subcontractors, 400 of which are based in the Czech Republic. Although the current production rate stands at approximately one aircraft per month, the program is enjoying growing interest and notable export success. Vietnam and Hungary became the first international operators in 2024.

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