DBDC INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE PUBLICATIONS & EVENTS UK LTD

Copyright © 2024 AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s.

AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE has announced two significant export contracts for its L-39 Skyfox advanced jet trainer, marking the aircraft’s entry into both the African and North American markets. The agreements further strengthen the global position of the Skyfox programme and extend its operational footprint across four continents.

The newly signed contracts include the delivery of L-39 Skyfox aircraft to customers in Angola and North America, with production already underway. Together with previous sales announced in recent months, AERO has secured orders for nine Skyfox aircraft, while production is also nearing completion on four additional aircraft for another undisclosed customer. The new business has filled the company’s production capacity through the second quarter of 2027.

“The entry of the Skyfox into the African and North American markets represents a major milestone for AERO,” said Viktor Sotona, President and Chairman of the Board of AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE. “These contracts significantly enhance the aircraft’s international visibility and create new opportunities for future exports, confirming the global potential of the Skyfox programme.”

Under the agreement with Angola, AERO will deliver up to four L-39 Skyfox aircraft, together with associated logistics, training and support services designed to facilitate the introduction of the platform into service with the Angolan Air Force.

Originally seeking to modernize its legacy L-39 Albatros fleet through overhaul, Angola ultimately selected the new-generation Skyfox after evaluating its operational capabilities, lifecycle costs and long-term training potential. The decision makes Angola the launch customer for the Skyfox programme on the African continent and the first operator to employ the aircraft under the demanding environmental conditions of the Southern Hemisphere.

A second contract has been signed with a North American civil-sector customer that already operates L-39 Albatros aircraft. Beyond aircraft delivery, the agreement includes commercial representation of the Skyfox platform throughout the region, providing AERO with a strategic presence in one of the world’s most important aerospace markets.

The company believes local operation and demonstration of the aircraft will significantly enhance future export opportunities across North America.

The latest contracts follow AERO’s record financial performance in 2025 and underline the growing international demand for the L-39 Skyfox. Recent orders—including aircraft deliveries and modernization programmes for legacy L-39 Albatros fleets—have exceeded €200 million, covering customers across Africa, North America and Asia.

The L-39 Skyfox has been developed as a next-generation multi-role jet trainer capable of supporting advanced pilot training for both fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft. In addition to training missions, the platform can perform reconnaissance, tactical support and light combat operations.

Available in both Western and Eastern configurations and certified under both European Union and NATO standards, the aircraft combines modern avionics, advanced simulation systems, a high-performance jet engine and excellent flight characteristics, making it one of the most versatile aircraft in its class.

With more than 11,000 aircraft produced throughout its century-long history and hundreds of L-39 aircraft still in operational service worldwide, AERO Vodochody continues to reinforce its position as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of military trainer aircraft while expanding the international success of the L-39 Skyfox programme.