Hungary Receives First Three L-39 Skyfox Aircraft
Hungary’s air force received the first three L-39 Skyfox advanced trainer jets on May 30, 2025. The aircraft were delivered by Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody at Kecskemét Air Base in southern Bács-Kiskun county during a formal ceremony. These two-seat jets are the first batch of a 12-aircraft order under Hungary’s 2022 defense contract, which includes eight trainers and four reconnaissance-configured planes. The ceremony was attended by top Hungarian defense officials and Aero representatives. The Skyfox purchase is a central component of Hungary’s national “Zrínyi 2026” defense modernization program. The agreement with Aero Vodochody includes a comprehensive training package that features simulators, ground support equipment, and a full pilot training program. Three Hungarian pilots and 16 technicians have already completed Skyfox ground and flight training in the Czech Republic, conducting nearly 100 practice flights (including night and formation flying) to prepare for service. Aero’s engineers will remain at Kecskemét to assist with integrating the new jets into Hungarian service.
Hungarian officials state that the new Skyfox jets will greatly enhance the country’s training and combat capabilities. State Secretary Dr. Zsolt Kutnyánszky referred to the handover as a “significant milestone” that elevates Hungary’s air combat training to a new level and reflects its dynamic military development program. He noted that a state-of-the-art simulation center is being established so the Skyfox can be integrated into NATO’s Flight Training Europe program. Aero Vodochody’s president and CEO Viktor Sotona stated that “Hungary’s selection of the Skyfox underlines the nation’s high standards and opens a new chapter of Czech–Hungarian defense cooperation.”
The three delivered Skyfox jets will be assigned to the 101st “Vitéz Szentgyörgyi Dezső” Tactical Training Squadron at Kecskemét, allowing Hungary to conduct advanced pilot training domestically. Hungary expects all twelve Skyfox aircraft to be in service by 2028. Once the fleet is complete, these modern jets will bolster Hungary’s light attack and reconnaissance capabilities, alongside pilot training.
The new simulators, training center, and Skyfox jets signify a key upgrade to Hungary’s air force infrastructure. The L-39 Skyfox is a modernized variant of the Czech L-39NG/Aero Albatros jet trainer, featuring a glass cockpit, NATO-compatible avionics, and a Western engine. With this delivery, Hungary became the third international operator of the Skyfox after Vietnam and the Czech LOM Praha flight school. These new aircraft and training systems at Kecskemét conclude years of preparation and underscore Hungary’s commitment to maintaining a modern, NATO-standard air force.