The Czech Republic is pushing a plan to supply Ukraine, which is responding to Russian drone attacks, with up to 16 L-39 Skyfox light attack aircraft. A Drone Hunter system to intercept enemy unmanned aerial vehicles at lower cost than existing fighter jets is drawing attention as a new air defence option.

Topwar reported on Nov. 12 that Czech First Deputy Prime Minister and Industry and Trade Minister Karel Havlicek (카렐 하블리체크) said negotiations were under way on supplying the L-39 Skyfox during his visit to Kyiv.

Havlicek said the supply of 4 aircraft had been confirmed earlier and that he discussed with the Ukrainian side the introduction of an additional 12. He said the talks drew a positive response on further supplies as well, but a final contract has not been signed.

The L-39 Skyfox is a two-seat jet trainer and light attack aircraft developed by Czech aircraft maker Aero Vodochody. It is a modernised version of the existing L-39 Albatros and is designed to carry out missions ranging from pilot training to light attack operations.

Particular attention is on a modified Drone Hunter variant for intercepting drones. The aircraft aims to intercept Russian attack drones by combining electro-optical and infrared target detection equipment with 70 mm laser-guided rockets.

Aero Vodochody unveiled the Drone Hunter configuration in September and in October signed an agreement with Belgian defence company Thales for guided rocket integration and testing. The aircraft has not yet had a confirmed combat deployment, and it is also not confirmed whether the Drone Hunter configuration will be applied to aircraft supplied to Ukraine.

The manufacturer said it currently produces about 12 aircraft a year and can expand capacity to up to 18.

The Czech Republic previously considered transferring L-159 ALCA light attack aircraft operated by its military to Ukraine. But discussions stopped after Prime Minister Andrej Babis (안드레이 바비시) opposed the move, saying the capability was needed for the country's defence.

The Skyfox later emerged as an alternative. Aero Vodochody officially confirmed Ukraine's interest in introducing the aircraft but did not disclose a specific delivery schedule or contract terms. The outcome of future negotiations and verification of drone interception performance are expected to be key to any actual introduction.