Czech defense company Aero Vodochody has now reached a production rate of 12 L-39NG Skyfox advanced trainer and light combat aircraft per year, while its total export order book has already reached 40 aircraft.
One of the reported customers for the L-39NG Skyfox is even Armenia, which is said to have ordered four aircraft. The order had not previously been publicly disclosed. The information was reported by Praise the Steph, a source that tracks developments in the Czech defense industry.
Read more: L-39NG Skyfox Could Be Effective Shahed Interceptor, Including Against Jet-Powered Drones, but There Are Some Limitations
According to the same report, Aero Vodochody is already ready to increase production to 18 L-39NG Skyfox aircraft per year and is in advanced discussions over another 20 aircraft for various customers.
In addition to the four aircraft reportedly being built for Armenia, one L-39NG Skyfox is currently in production for an unnamed customer in the United States, while another two are being built for Angola, which is considering an option for two more aircraft. Aero Vodochody itself confirmed in June that it had signed contracts covering Skyfox aircraft for Angola and North America, with the aircraft already in production.
Aero Vodochody also wants to offer Bulgaria eight new L-39NG Skyfox aircraft to replace its existing L-39ZA light attack aircraft. One of the arguments is that the Bulgarian Air Force could use a new jet trainer for pilots transitioning to the F-16, while the Skyfox could also take on a counter-UAS role, including engaging Shahed-type drones.
Defense Express would add some context. In 2023, there were reports that Aero Vodochody had secured a contract to overhaul eight L-39ZA aircraft operated by the Bulgarian Air Force. After the work was completed, their service lives were expected to be extended by 7.5 years.
It is quite possible that the planned overhaul of the Warsaw Pact-era L-39ZAs proved impractical under the expected parameters. This may be why the Czech side has now shifted toward offering Bulgaria new L-39NG Skyfox aircraft instead.
Armenia currently operates four L-39C aircraft, along with nine Yak-52 trainers. If the reported L-39NG Skyfox delivery goes ahead, it would allow the Armenian armed forces to establish a small indigenous light combat aviation capability. It would also fit into Armenia’s broader effort to diversify its arms suppliers and reduce its reliance on Russia.
The Skyfox’s export prospects are also helped by the fact that the aircraft is now expanding beyond its traditional European and Asian markets. Aero Vodochody says recent contracts have brought the aircraft to Africa and North America, while its production capacity is already filled through the second quarter of 2027.
Ivan Kyrychevskiy, serviceman of the 413th Raid Regiment of the Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine and weapons expert at Defense Express.
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