Ukraine to get L-39NG Skyfox jets after Czechia fails to sell L-159s
Fighter jet (Photo: Getty Images)
Against the backdrop of Czechia’s refusal to deliver L-159 light combat aircraft to Ukraine, a possible alternative is being discussed in the defense sector that could meet several of Ukraine’s aviation needs at once, according to Radio Prague.
Prague’s refusal not only to transfer but also to sell the L-159 aircraft has caused a wide public reaction. However, the manufacturer Aero Vodochody is considering offering Ukraine a more modern L-39NG Skyfox model, which, despite being positioned as a trainer, is also capable of performing combat missions.
Why Ukraine did not receive the L-159
The official reason for the refusal to supply L-159s is their limited numbers in the Czech armed forces.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that these aircraft are no longer in production due to the lack of required components, making additional orders impossible.
L-39NG as a possible alternative
According to Radio Prague, Aero Vodochody says the L-39NG would be cheaper to operate and could be used for pilot training, ground-attack missions, and countering unmanned aerial vehicles.
This makes the aircraft a potential replacement for both combat missions and the renewal of the aging L-39 Albatros fleet.
Counter‑UAV capabilities
In November 2025, at the Dubai Airshow, the company presented a version of the L-39NG configured as a light fighter for counter‑drone operations. The aircraft can be equipped with 12.7 mm machine guns and 70 mm FZ275 LGR laser‑guided rockets, which are considered a European analogue of the APKWS system.
Financial and political constraints
A potential contract would involve producing the aircraft from scratch, which requires time. For example, Hungary waited about 3 years for the delivery of its first 3 aircraft. Financing remains an additional barrier: in 2024, six aircraft for Ghana cost $132 million.
In theory, payment could be covered by European partners or EU structures; however, the key issue remains the export permit from the Czech government, which is skeptical about providing military assistance to Ukraine.
The president of Czechia announced plans to transfer combat aircraft to Ukraine in the near future, intended to counter unmanned aerial vehicles. According to him, the equipment will be used to intercept drones that pose a threat to Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian facilities.
On January 7, the Czech Security Council planned to consider the further prospects of a program implemented with the support of Western countries and coordinated by Prague, under which artillery ammunition is being supplied to Ukraine.
