Ukraine is considering possibility of ordering L-39NG Skyfox trainer-combat aircraft, often called flying desks. Specifically, this involves possible order for 10 such aircraft, approximately equaling one squadron.
It is reported Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis plans together with Ukrainian officials to propose European partners who previously transferred F-16 fighters to Ukraine to finance this procurement.
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Specifically, this proposal will likely go to Norway, Denmark, Netherlands and Belgium, as they previously transferred their F-16s to Ukraine. Worth noting this is already not first report about L-39NG Skyfoxpromotion for Ukraine, although then significantly fewer details were known.
Recall L-39NG Skyfox in 2025 received underwing machine guns and 70mm FZ275 LGR guided rockets, analogs of American APKWS. Thanks to this, L-39NG Skyfox trainer-combat aircraft transformed into genuine drone hunter, which is excellent news for Ukraine.
Currently neither cost nor possible delivery timelines for these 10 L-39NG Skyfox aircraft are announced. However, here we can look at past procurement examples, like 4 aircraft for Czechia in 2022. Then this procurement cost $101.5 million, of which only $62.84 million goes to L-39NG Skyfox themselves, while rest goes to related services and warranty through 2028.
In other words, pure cost of one L-39NG Skyfox is about $15.71 million, and together in full package only $25 million. Thus 10 L-39NG Skyfox units for Ukraine may cost $250-300 million.
Regarding delivery timelines, under Czech contract deliveries should begin no earlier than 28 months after contract signing. Hungary, which in 2022 ordered 12 L-39NG Skyfox, received first aircraft after 3 years in May 2025.
Given this, if Ukraine and Czechia now manage to agree with European partners on financing 10 L-39NG Skyfox procurement, first aircraft should be expected only approximately in 2028-2029. Meaning this is long-term reinforcement, not here and now.
However, Ukraine's Air Forces need new trainer-combat aircraft to replace Soviet-era L-39 Albatros currently actively used for pilot training. L-39NG Skyfox will also enable using them in Shahed hunter role.
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