Hungary Receives 3 L-39 Skyfox Trainers, Second C-390 Millennium Multi-Mission Aircraft

Hungary has taken delivery of three L-39 Skyfox tactical training aircraft and its second C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft in Kecskemét, marking another phase in the country’s defence and air force development program.

The Defence Ministry confirmed that three new Skyfox jets have arrived from the Czech Republic, completing the delivery of all eight aircraft ordered under a 2022 agreement with Aero Vodochody Aerospace. Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said the aircraft now support pilot training and capability development.

According to the ministry, the Skyfox fleet is equipped with a Ground-Based Training System that includes a Full Mission Simulator, planning and assessment tools, and a training support system, enabling training from basic levels to advanced Lead-in Fighter Training. The aircraft can also perform subsonic tactical roles including Close Air Support, Joint Terminal Attack Controller training, visual ISR missions, and display flights. They will also support JAS 39 Gripen fighter training for air combat and interception tasks.

The aircraft were delivered in batches: three in May, two in September, and three between 18–19 November. Four additional ISR-configured L-39 variants are scheduled for delivery in 2028.

On 21 November, Embraer delivered Hungary’s second C-390 Millennium aircraft during a ceremony at Kecskemét Air Base. With this delivery, Hungary becomes the first operator to receive all contracted C-390 aircraft.

The C-390 fleet is expected to support medical evacuation, humanitarian operations, search and rescue, cargo and troop transport, airdrops, paratrooper deployment, and air-to-air refuelling. Hungary’s aircraft are the first equipped with a modular roll-on/roll-off Intensive Care Unit.