site.btaPresident Radev Discusses L-39 Skyfox Jet with Czech Aircraft Manufacturer

Capabilities of the new L-39 Skyfox advanced trainer aircraft were presented during a meeting between President Rumen Radev and executives of Czech company Aero Vodochody at the building of the President’s administration in Sofia, the President’s administration said on its website on Wednesday.

The company also manufactures the L-39ZA Albatros trainer aircraft, which is used to train pilots of the Bulgarian Air Force.

The possibility of using the aircraft for training personnel for the F-16 Block 70 fighter jets was highlighted during the meeting. Representatives of Aero noted the relatively low acquisition and operational costs of the aircraft and expressed readiness to partner with Bulgaria in maintaining them, as well as to engage in industrial cooperation.

The Czech Ambassador to Bulgaria, Miroslav Toman, also attended the meeting.

Bulgaria received its first two F-16 Block 70 fighter jets in April and June. A total of eight such aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025. A further eight are due by the end of 2027.