Czechia could deliver first four L-39 Skyfox jets to Ukraine in 2027, foreign minister says

Czechia plans to deliver its first four L-39 Skyfox jets to Ukraine in 2027, with a further eight to follow in 2028, according to Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka. The announcement comes as Ukraine seeks more cost-effective solutions to counter Russian attack drones, which Moscow frequently targets at Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

The L-39 Skyfox, produced by Czech company Aero Vodochody, is a subsonic jet originally intended for military pilot training but can also perform light attack, reconnaissance, and aerial patrol duties. Macinka disclosed that financing for the initial four aircraft has been confirmed, and negotiations were directly conducted with the Aero Vodochody plant to ensure priority manufacturing for Ukraine.

However, the delivery process hinges on securing export licenses for crucial foreign components and avionics, including parts sourced from Belgium, France, and the United States. In July, Czechia and Ukraine reached out to twelve nations, including Australia, Canada, and ten European states, to assist in financing an additional 12 aircraft, valued at 6 to 8 billion Czech crowns ($272 million to $363 million), which would be funded through international sources.

The Czech government is not contributing any funds for this venture. Czech Industry and Trade Minister Karel Havlicek engaged in talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi on November 11, confirming that four aircraft have been finalized, while a preliminary agreement has been reached for twelve more. These discussions emerge after Prague denied supplying Ukraine with its existing military inventory of L-159 light combat aircraft in January, as the Czech armed forces require these jets.