Aero Vodochody, the Czech aircraft manufacturer renowned for its L-39 Albatross, has set its sights on the African continent with the introduction of its latest aircraft, the Skyfox.
This light attack and trainer jet, officially designated the Aero L-39NG (“Next Generation”), represents the company’s effort to build on its long-standing relationship with African air forces. Known for producing the Cold War-era L-39 Albatross, which found widespread use across Africa, Aero Vodochody is now positioning the Skyfox as a modern, versatile, and cost-effective solution for the continent’s evolving defence needs.
Unveiled at the 4th African Air Force Forum in Lagos, Nigeria, in May 2025, the Skyfox stood out as the centrepiece of Aero’s exhibition booth, signalling the company’s renewed commitment to the region. The Skyfox traces its roots to the L-39NG program, which aimed to modernise the classic Albatross design.
Guillaume Dujardin, Aero Vodochody’s Regional Sales Director, described the Skyfox as the latest evolution of the L-39NG, blending the latest technologies with the reliable traits that made its predecessor a success. On December 22, 2018, the first L-39NG prototype took to the skies, marking the beginning of an ambitious development journey. By September 2020, the Czech defence ministry had certified the aircraft, adhering to supranational military standards. He also noted that Aero will focus on training, MRO and cooperation opportunities, and that they are ready to discuss new opportunities in the region.
The transition to serial production came in October 2024, when the aircraft received its official Skyfox designation. Just a few months later, in January 2025, the first Skyfox was delivered to the Flight Training Centre in Pardubice, the training hub for the Czech Air Force. This new aircraft is a turbofan-powered, subsonic jet designed to serve multiple roles. It excels as a trainer for both basic and advanced pilot instruction, preparing aviators for the complexities of 4th and 5th-generation fighter jets.
The L-39NG was also marketed to African Air Forces at the time it was unveiled; however, not much headway was made by Aero. Although Nigeria, Algeria, Senegal, and Ghana showed interest in the aircraft, with Ghana even taking a step further to place an order for six aircraft. However, funding constraints hampered the business. Likewise, a series of test flights and demonstrations was carried out in Algeria last year. Algeria plans to replace its ageing fleet of L-39 Albatross aircraft.
For Nigeria, according to the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, in a publication titled; the Chief of Air Staff Memo to Airmen, the CAS revealed that he had discussed the possibility of continuing upgrading the NAF’s existing fleet of L-39ZA Albatros aircraft and acquiring the new L-39NG aircraft with the Czech Chief of the Air Staff during a visit to Prague in September 2023.
Although Nigeria later acquired 24 M-346 Master advanced jet trainers and light combat aircraft from Leonardo, an Italian defence manufacturer, in August 2021. These aircraft will replace the ageing Dassault Alpha Jet A/E and are expected to enhance the NAF’s training capabilities and strike potential. The M-346 is a multi-mission aircraft capable of various roles, including ground support, air-to-ground attack, and close air support.
Financial constraints delayed the delivery of the Senegalese Air Force (Armée de l’Air du Senegal) L-39 Albatross combat trainer aircraft. Senegal was supposed to receive four L-39NG jets from Aero Vodochody between 2020 and 2021, but now the delivery date has not yet happened, likely due to funding issues.
Beyond training, the Skyfox offers light attack capabilities, air patrolling, and reconnaissance, making it a multifunctional platform for military operations. Aero Vodochody has paired this versatility with a robust support model, promising increased aircraft availability and reduced operating costs. The company provides a full range of services tailored to customer needs throughout the aircraft’s life cycle, including an optimised maintenance system and support packages aimed at ensuring reliability at competitive costs. Africa is a natural market for the Skyfox, given Aero Vodochody’s deep ties to the continent.
The L-39 Albatross, a high-performance jet trainer with light combat capabilities, has been a trusted asset for more than 17 African nations. Its appeal lies in its adaptability, affordability, and proven performance in diverse environments. Countries across the continent have relied on the Albatross for decades, with Algeria operating 56 L-39ZA/C variants, Angola using 4 L-39C models, and the Central African Republic maintaining a fleet of 8 L-39s. Chad has 11 L-39s in service, while the Republic of the Congo operates 4. Egypt boasts a substantial fleet of 49 L-39ZO aircraft, and Equatorial Guinea flies 2 L-39C jets. Ethiopia’s air force includes 10 L-39C models, and Libya, a major early adopter, acquired 180 L-39ZOs around 1978. Mali operates 10 L-39C aircraft, Mozambique has 1 L-39, and Nigeria fields 24 L-39s. Senegal recently integrated 4 L-39NG jets, while Tunisia uses 12 L-59T Super Albatros aircraft, a related variant. Uganda operates 14 L-39 ZA/O models, Ghana flies 8 L-39NG/ZO jets, and South Sudan maintains a pair of L-39s.
The Albatross earned its reputation in Africa as a versatile workhorse, capable of shifting seamlessly between training and combat roles. Its affordability made it accessible to nations seeking to strengthen their air forces without straining budgets, and its combat readiness allowed it to perform in real-world operations. Over the years, the aircraft benefited from modern upgrades, keeping it relevant long after its initial introduction. This track record has given Aero Vodochody a strong foundation to introduce the Skyfox, which promises to carry forward the Albatross’s legacy with enhanced capabilities.
The Skyfox arrives at a time when African air forces are looking to modernise while managing limited resources. As a training aircraft that doubles as a combat jet, it offers a practical solution for nations aiming to bolster their air capabilities. Its design incorporates advanced technologies and materials, ensuring it meets the demands of today’s military landscape. Aero Vodochody’s experience in Africa, combined with its focus on customer support, positions the Skyfox as a compelling option for the continent’s defence forces. With the Skyfox, Aero Vodochody is not just offering a new aircraft but building on a partnership with Africa that spans decades. The company’s history with the L-39 Albatross has created a sense of trust and familiarity among African operators, and the Skyfox aims to deepen that connection. As it takes flight in African skies, this next-generation jet has the potential to shape the future of the continent’s air forces, delivering a blend of training and operational flexibility that aligns with the region’s needs.
