Photo: Aero Vodochody
Vietnam has received its complete order of 12 L-39 Skyfox jet trainer and light attack aircraft from Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody, marking a step in its military modernisation efforts. The aircraft were delivered in two batches of six, following a...
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Vietnam has received its complete order of 12 L-39 Skyfox jet trainer and light attack aircraft from Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody, marking a step in its military modernisation efforts. The aircraft were delivered in two batches of six, following a contract signed in 2021. Aero Vodochody, in partnership with Omnipol, confirmed the completion of the final batch but did not specify the exact delivery date.
The L-39 Skyfox serves as an intermediate trainer between the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II turboprop trainer and advanced jet trainers such as the Yak-130. Vietnam’s transition to the L-39 Skyfox has been facilitated by its long-standing experience with the older L-39C, which has been in service since 1981. Aero Vodochody stated that Vietnamese pilots have undergone retraining on the new aircraft, including around 250 flight hours for the first group of pilots. The transition is supported by ground training facilities, computer-based learning systems, cabin operation simulators, and full-mission flight simulators.
The L-39 Skyfox, a modernised version of the L-39 Albatros first introduced in 1968, features a reinforced airframe, internal wing fuel tanks, and advanced avionics from Genesys Aerosystems. It is powered by a Williams FJ44-4M turbofan engine producing 16.89 kN of thrust. Designed primarily for advanced pilot training, it can also serve in a light attack role, with five hardpoints for mounting precision-guided munitions, air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, and an optional gun pod. The aircraft has a maximum speed of 420 knots, a payload capacity of 1,200 kg, a range of 1,400 nautical miles, and an operational ceiling of 38,000 feet. It reportedly costs less than $10 million per unit.
The delivery comes amid Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to diversify its defence procurement. Military analysts suggest that the acquisition of the L-39 Skyfox could be part of a broader shift towards Western-built fighter jets. Vietnam has traditionally relied on Russian military equipment, with Moscow supplying nearly 80% of its arsenal. However, the impact of sanctions on Russia’s defence industry and diplomatic considerations may be pushing Hanoi to explore alternative suppliers.
There has been speculation that the purchase of the L-39 Skyfox could precede Vietnam’s potential acquisition of American F-16 C/D fighter jets. Reports indicate that Washington and Hanoi have held discussions on such a deal for years, with negotiations reportedly encountering challenges. In 2023, the United States and Vietnam discussed what could be their largest-ever arms agreement, possibly including F-16s. To facilitate the transition, Washington is said to be considering financial assistance to Vietnam as an incentive to reduce reliance on Russian-made military hardware.
Vietnam has already taken steps towards closer military ties with the United States. In November 2023, it received five Beechcraft T-6C Texan II trainer aircraft—the first U.S.-supplied military aircraft delivered to Vietnam since the end of the Vietnam War. The Texan II is widely used by the U.S. Air Force for pilot training, including for advanced fighters like the F-16. With Vietnam’s Air Force modernisation progressing, attention remains on whether Hanoi will proceed with its first-ever purchase of American fighter jets.
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