Slovakia has clearly expressed its interest in the L-39 Skyfox light attack and trainer aircraft developed by Czech-based aerospace company Aero Vodochody as part of its efforts to modernize its current air force inventory. The development was revealed during the official visit of Slovakian Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák to the Czech Republic.
Minister Kaliňák's Visit to Czechia and Defense Cooperation Agreement
Hosted by Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová, his Slovak counterpart Robert Kaliňák closely examined the major defense industry facilities in the Czech Republic. One of the highlights of the visit was the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement aimed at further deepening defense and industrial cooperation between the two countries. The agreement ceremony was also attended by Aero Vodochody CEO Viktor Sotona and the company's board of directors.
L-39 Skyfox Offer from Aero Vodochody to Slovakia
During the visit, Aero Vodochody CEO Viktor Sotona gave a detailed presentation to Minister Robert Kaliňák about the tactical and training capabilities of the company’s new-generation trainer aircraft, the L-39 Skyfox (formerly known as the L-39NG). Sotona emphasized the possibilities of the aircraft’s use in the air forces of partner countries. In addition, the first two L-39 Skyfox aircraft belonging to Hungary were shown to the public for the first time during this visit. The two ministers then visited the SVOS Przeloucz, ERA Pardubice and LOM Praha factories, where they had the opportunity to get to know other important players in the Czech defense industry.
Long-term Cooperation and Participation of Slovak Industry
Aero Vodochody CEO Viktor Sotona, while detailing the cooperation offers for Slovakia, stated that they propose long-term cooperation in areas such as sharing of knowledge and know-how, especially in the field of personnel and pilot training, putting the L-39 Skyfox aircraft into service and supporting it in the operational process. He also stated that the possibility of trade through a framework agreement on a government-to-government (G2G) level and the possibility of industrial cooperation with the strategic participation of Slovak industry through the Letecké opravovne Trenčín company are also on the table.
Slovakia's Efforts to Modernize Its Air Force
Following the division of the Czechoslovak Air Force, Slovakia added various L-1992 aircraft to its inventory at the end of 39. Although the country modernized its five Aero L-2005CM and two L-5ZAM Albatros aircraft to NATO standards by 39, it is not clear how many aircraft are currently operational. Due to the difficulties experienced by the existing L-2 aircraft in their missions, Slovakia has begun to search for an alternative training and light attack aircraft. The country has already received five of the 39 F-39C/D Block 14 fighter jets procured from the US. In addition to the L-16 Skyfox, South Korean-made KAI FA-70 aircraft are among the options being evaluated by the Bratislava administration to replace the aging training aircraft. Which platform Slovakia will prefer and how it will cooperate with Aero Vodochody will become clear in the coming period.
