Czech Republic Considers Supplying Ukraine with 16 Aircraft to Counter Russian Drones

The Czech Republic is considering transferring 16 L-39 Skyfox combat training aircraft to Ukraine, which could be used to intercept Russian drones. Previously, the parties discussed four such aircraft, but now they are talking about 12 more.

The Czech publication iDNES. cz reported this, citing a statement by the Czech Republic’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Karel Havlíček, during a visit to Kyiv.

According to the official, the Czech side has already confirmed it can transfer four aircraft. Now it is preliminary, considering the supply of 12 more aircraft.

“Four of them have already been confirmed before; now we can talk about 12 more. This is preliminary confirmation that this is possible,” Havlicek said.

The Czech Republic previously discussed transferring L-159 light combat aircraft to Ukraine. However, the government coalition abandoned this idea, as the Czech army needs such aircraft.

Instead, aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody offered Ukraine more modern L-39 SkyFox combat training aircraft.

These aircraft are equipped with Williams FJ44 engines and upgraded avionics. They are being considered as a possible means of combating Russian drones.

At the same time, no final decision has been made on the transfer of all 16 aircraft. The Czech side has only provisionally confirmed the possibility of such a supply.