The Czech Republic plans to assist Ukraine with 16 L-39NG jet trainer aircraft equipped with 70mm guidance rockets to hunt down Russian drones

Czech L-39NG Skyfox trainer aircraft. The aircraft may be included in the aid plan to Ukraine and perform anti-drone missions. (Photo: AERO Vodochody)

[Reporter Wu Zheyu/Comprehensive Report] Faced with a large number of Russian "Witness" (Shahed) series suicide drone attacks, Ukraine may obtain a new type of air interception capability. The Czech Republic is discussing with Ukraine the supply of up to 16 L-39NG Skyfox jet trainers, including the four previously agreed to be transferred and an additional 12 under discussion. This military aircraft can carry 70mm laser-guided rockets and cannon pods, specifically hunting Russian attack drones, and sharing the air defense tasks of F-16 fighters at a lower cost.

The military news website "The War Zone" reported that during a visit to Kiev, Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček proposed the idea of ​​expanding the supply of L-39NG to Ukraine. Discussions between the two parties were progressing positively, but the additional 12 aircraft have not yet been formally finalized. The Czech Republic had previously considered providing four L-159 light fighters, but was ultimately rejected because the government believed that the Czech Republic still had needs.

The L-39NG was improved from the Cold War-era L-39 trainer aircraft and equipped with an American-made Williams FJ44-4M turbofan engine. It has a top speed of approximately 901 kilometers per hour, a practical service ceiling of approximately 11,582 meters, a body life of 15,000 flight hours, and five external hardpoints. Manufacturer Aero Vodochody is cooperating with Belgium's Thales to develop the "Drone Hunter" anti-drone model, planning to integrate an electro-optical targeting system, 70mm laser-guided rockets and cannon pods, but it has not yet been officially put into operation.

Cost is the main advantage of the L-39NG. The manufacturer estimates that it costs about US$1,700 to US$2,300 per flight hour, which is much lower than the F-16, which costs about US$22,000. The unit price of the 70 mm APKWS II guidance rocket is about US$20,000 to US$25,000. Compared with the AIM-9X of about US$500,000 and the AIM-120 of about US$1 million, it can significantly reduce the cost of intercepting cheap drones.

As the Russian army launches jet-powered drones such as Geranium-3, 4 and 5, the Ukrainian army's air defense pressure continues to increase. Among them, the Geranium-4 is reported to have a speed of about 451 to 499 kilometers per hour and a maximum flying altitude of about 7,925 meters, making it more difficult for low-cost interception drones to deal with.

Justin Bronk, an expert at the British Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), pointed out that the L-39NG is fast enough to intercept Geran-3 and Geran-4, is simple to operate, and has good air-staying capabilities. Although it lacks airborne radar, it can use Ukraine's existing ground radar network to guide interception. The Ukrainian army also has a large number of pilots and maintenance personnel who are familiar with the old L-39, which can help shorten the replacement time.

However, Aero Vodochody currently produces about 12 L-39NGs per year. Although it can be increased to 18, the production line is reported to be fully booked until the second quarter of 2027, and there are still variables in the subsequent delivery schedule. If the case is successfully concluded, it will help the Ukrainian army retain high-performance fighter aircraft such as F-16s to carry out more complex air combat and strike missions.