Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody has secured new orders for its L-39NG Skyfox training aircraft, with Angola becoming the first African customer for a platform the company has long viewed as a strong fit for the continent.
The Angolan Air Force has ordered up to four L-39NG Skyfox aircraft, newly confirmed details show, handing Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody a long-awaited African breakthrough after failed deals with Ghana and Senegal.
The order comes as Angola ranks among Southern Africa’s stronger military powers, placing seventh on the continent and 59th globally in Global Firepower’s 2026 military strength index.
Angola’s air force operates a mixed fleet that includes Russian-made Su-30K multirole fighters, MiG-21 and MiG-23 fighter jets, Su-22 fighter-bombers, Su-25 close-air support aircraft, Brazilian EMB-314 Super Tucano aircraft, Chinese K-8 trainer jets and older L-39 Albatros trainers.
The new order is significant for Aero because several African air forces still operate older L-39 Albatros jets and are looking for lower-cost aircraft that can support pilot training and light combat roles.
