Aero Vodochody has taken its L-39 Skyfox (L-39NG) on a promotional tour across Africa, engaging with air forces in Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda to showcase the capabilities of its advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft.

The L-39 Skyfox visited Entebbe Air Base in Uganda on 1 December, where it was inspected by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces’ Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Aero Vodochody representatives, led by Vladan Resner, presented the aircraft’s advanced systems and operational capabilities. General Kainerugaba emphasized the importance of technological advancement for the Air Force and noted that evaluating modern aircraft such as the L-39NG supports Uganda’s strategic goal of building a modern and capable air arm. If acquired, the aircraft is expected to enhance pilot training while providing support for light combat operations.

On 17 December, the L-39 Skyfox was demonstrated to the Ghana Air Force at Air Force Base Accra. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, highlighted the importance of exploring platforms that enhance operational readiness and support counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and air defence missions. Air Commodore Elvis King Arneson, Base Commander at Accra, noted the Skyfox’s versatility for air policing, intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance, making it suitable for both military and internal security operations.

Representatives from the Omnipol Group, Defcon and Aero Group described the aircraft as a versatile platform designed to meet the evolving needs of modern air forces. While Ghana and Senegal previously explored acquiring the L-39NG, funding challenges and other setbacks prevented finalisation.

The L-39 Skyfox is the latest evolution of the successful L-39 Albatros trainer. The L-39NG programme began in 2014, with serial production starting in December 2022. Powered by a single Williams FJ44-4M engine with FADEC control, the aircraft carries up to 1,200 kg of weapons across five hardpoints and has an increased range of 1,900 km. Additional upgrades include wet wings, a lighter and stronger airframe, a Health and Usage Monitoring System and a 15,000 flight-hour service life. Around 50% of the aircraft consists of new parts, making it significantly more modern than previous iterations.

Aero Vodochody has delivered L-39 Skyfox aircraft to Vietnam, the Czech Republic and Hungary. Vietnam received 12 aircraft by the end of 2024, while the Czech state enterprise Lom Praha acquired the first two units in February 2025 for F-35 pilot training. Hungary received its first three L-39 Skyfox jets in May 2025 under a contract for 12 aircraft, split between trainers and reconnaissance platforms.

On 30 December, the Skyfox arrived in Nigeria for the first time, displayed in Abuja with the Nigerian Air Force receiving a technical briefing on the aircraft’s capabilities. Nigeria, as an existing L-39 user, is a key market for Aero Vodochody’s African promotion campaign.

With ongoing discussions with potential buyers across Europe, Asia and Africa, the L-39 Skyfox is positioned as a cost-effective dual-role solution for air forces seeking to modernize training programs while retaining light combat capability.