Armenia has been publicly identified as a previously undisclosed customer for Aero Vodochody’s L-39 Skyfox advanced trainer and light-combat aircraft. Defence Minister Suren Papikyan inspected a completed Skyfox in Armenian Air Force markings during a visit to the manufacturer’s facility in Vodochody, north of Prague, and indicated that the aircraft would soon fly in Armenia.
The Armenian Ministry of Defence released images from the visit showing the finished aircraft, providing visual confirmation of the customer relationship. Neither Armenia nor Aero Vodochody has disclosed the contract value, confirmed order quantity or detailed delivery schedule. Czech reporting has indicated that up to four aircraft could reach Armenia in the coming weeks, but that figure remains unconfirmed by the parties.
Aero Vodochody announced in June that it had completed four Skyfox aircraft for an unnamed foreign customer. The aircraft were subsequently linked to Armenia, which already operates older L-39C Albatros trainers. The Skyfox, formerly designated L-39NG, retains the Albatros layout but incorporates modern avionics, a composite wing and a Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan.
The subsonic aircraft is intended for initial and advanced pilot training, while also supporting light-combat and reconnaissance missions. It has five weapons stations and can be used to prepare pilots for fourth- and fifth-generation fighters. Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan visited Aero Vodochody on 4 September, when the company presented the Skyfox.