Aero Vodochody has taken its L-39 Skyfox (L-39NG) on an African tour, where it has been promoting the jet trainer and light attack aircraft to multiple air forces, including that of Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda.
TheL-39 Skyfox was at Entebbe Air Base on 1 December for an inspection by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. A delegation from Aero Vodochody, led by Vladan Resner, took the CDF through the detailed capabilities and features of the trainer and light combat platform.
Kainerugaba underscored the importance of continuous technological advancement for the Air Force, reiterating that building a modern air arm remains a key strategic priority. Evaluating new-generation assets, such as the L-39NG, forms part of this hands-on approach to capability development, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces said. “If acquired, this type of aircraft would be expected to play a significant role in advancing pilot training and supporting light combat operations.”
The L-39 Skyfox was demonstrated to the Ghana Air Force on 17 December at Air Force Base Accra. Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, stated that in line with his vision of building an effective and efficient Ghana Air Force, the service would continue to explore platforms that enhance operational readiness. He noted that the L-39 Skyfox, with its dual role in training and combat support, aligns with efforts to strengthen counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and air defence capabilities.
The Base Commander of Air Force Base Accra, Air Commodore Elvis King Arneson, said the L-39 Skyfox’s versatility in air policing, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions makes it suitable for both military and internal security operations.
Representing Omnipol Group, Defcon, and the Aero Group, Petr Markvart said the Group was proud to present the L-39 Skyfox, describing it as a versatile aircraft designed to meet the evolving needs of modern air forces.
Aero Vodochody has been promoting the L-39 to Ghana for some time. In August 2021, Ghana’s defence minster, Dominic Nitiwul, sought parliamentary approval for the €111 million procurement of six L-39NG aircraft along with spares, training, and support. The aircraft were to be acquired through a loan agreement. However, the acquisition plan stalled due to a lack of funding.
A similar scenario emerged with Senegal, which in April 2018 announced that it would be acquiring four L-39NGs, but in early 2022 it emerged that the deal had been cancelled after a number of setbacks.
The L-39 Skyfox is the latest iteration of the successful L-39 Albatros trainer. The L-39NG programme started in 2014, with four prototypes being produced. Serial production began in December 2022.
The L-39NG is powered by a single Williams FJ44-4M engine with FADEC control and has five hardpoints for 1 200 kg of weapons (three more than previously). Due to a more efficient engine and reduced drag, range is increased by 800 km to 1 900 km. Other changes compared to the standard L-39 are wet wings without wingtip tanks, a 15 000 flight hour service life, lighter and stronger airframe and Health and Usage Monitoring System. The L-39NG uses 50% new parts.
Aero Vodochody has delivered L-39 Skyfox aircraft to Vietnam, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Vietnam received a total of 12 aircraft by the end of 2024 and in February 2025, Aero handed over the first two units to Lom Praha, a Czech state enterprise that uses these jets for training F-35 pilots – four aircraft are replacing obsolete L-39Cs. Additionally, the Hungarian Air Force received its first three L-39 Skyfox jets in May 2025 under a 2022 contract for 12, including eight configured as trainers and four in reconnaissance roles.
Aero Vodochody recently secured contracts with two new customers for the L-39 Skyfox and is engaged in ongoing discussions with potential buyers from Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Nigeria, as an existing L-39 user, is another target. On 30 December, the L-39 Skyfox arrived in Abuja for the first time, where it was put on static display. The Nigerian Air Force received a detailed technical briefing on the aircraft.
Photo: Czech Embassy in Nigeria.
Aero Vodochody has formally offered the Skyfox to the Nigerian Air Force and continues to build on the long standing relationship, recently supporting a life extension programme for three Nigerian L-39ZA jets.
Algeria is also reportedly interested in the L-39 Skyfox. According to Avions Légendaires, the North African country is assessing the potential acquisition of twelve to eighteen aircraft to replace its ageing L-39C Albatros fleet and complement the small number of Yakovlev Yak-130 trainers received from Russia. An L-39NG arrived in Algeria in August 2024 to undergo testing and evaluation.
