L-39 Skyfox aircrafts are coming to Kecskemét from pilot training grounds in the Czech Republic.Continue reading
All signs indicate that the new aircraft are ready. Fresh photos of the L–39 Skyfox jets intended for the Hungarian Air Force have emerged in connection with a high-level factory visit.
On Tuesday, sensational photos were released showing the Slovak and Czech defense ministers visiting the Aero Vodochody aircraft manufacturer in Prague, with L–39 Skyfox jets visible in the background. The company is majority-owned by the Hungarian state, but this high-level visit had further Hungarian relevance.
Aero L-39 Skyfox in Hungarian Air Force camouflage. Photo: Aero Vodochody
Aero Vodochody reported on the factory visit via social media. “Today, we were pleased to welcome Ms. Jana Černochová, Minister of Defense of the Czech Republic, and Mr. Robert Kaliňák, Minister of Defense of the Slovak Republic,” they wrote. The government members of the two countries were received by the company’s management, led by President Viktor Sotona. Their discussions were based on a recently signed bilateral cooperation agreement between the Czech and Slovak defense ministries.
The focus was on deepening Czech–Slovak defense industry cooperation, which Aero supports long-term through its know-how, production capacity, and tradition.
So much so, that Slovakia is now considering placing a larger order. “We are proud to be part of the joint efforts to build a stronger and safer future for our countries,” the company concluded, attaching several photos. A closer look at these photos reveals key details.
As pointed out by the professional outlet lhsn‘s Facebook site, the two aircraft visible in the background are none other than the beautifully painted first two L–39NG (Skyfox) jet aircraft for the Hungarian Defense Forces. Their registration numbers also appear to be visible, likely 141 and 142. However, the aircraft still display Czech markings and registration numbers, which will only be removed after their official delivery and handover to Hungary.
The photos also show how the Czech markings currently cover the Hungarian Air Force insignia—standardized national colors arranged in a wedge shape with the correct width, height, and proportions.
This custom paint job and the obscured national markings make it clear that these aircraft are indeed destined for Hungary.
Hungarian pilots are already flying the Skyfoxes, as their practical conversion training is currently taking place at the manufacturer’s base. Recently, reports confirmed that the Hungarian Defense Forces’ brand-new L–39 Skyfox jet-powered trainer aircraft will soon arrive in Kecskemét (south of Budapest). Preparations and pilot retraining are already in full swing at the 101st Air Wing of the Hungarian military.
Hungary originally ordered twelve new L–39NG trainer aircraft for its air force back in March 2022. These tactical trainer aircraft are suitable for preparing pilots for next-generation jets like the F–35, F–16, or Gripen. However, they can also be used for missions such as supporting air or ground forces. The two-seater, jet-powered aircraft can reach speeds of up to 900 km/h.
Via Világgazdaság; Featured picture: Aero Vodochody
