Military Training Aircraft Manufacturer Signs Bulgarian Testing and Industrial Cooperation Agreement in September 2026

Bulgaria – Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bulgaria’s Ministry of Defence covering further cooperation around the L-39 Skyfox advanced jet trainer.

• The 16 September 2026 MoU was signed in Sofia by Aero Vice President Business Development Zdenek Hlacik and Bulgarian Deputy Defence Minister Katerina Gramatikova. Bulgarian government reporting describes the agreement as covering joint testing and certification of weapon systems for the L-39 Skyfox.
• Aero said the framework could allow Bulgarian military and training ranges to be used for further testing and development of the Skyfox, while potential areas of industrial participation by Bulgarian companies will be defined through subsequent discussions.
• The cooperation follows Aero’s completion in August 2025 of the overhaul and partial modernization of four Bulgarian Air Force L-39ZA Albatros aircraft, including their AI-25TL engines. The modernization replaced original Russian avionics in areas including navigation, communications, identification and recording equipment.
• Aero has also identified potential future Bulgarian Air Force use of the L-39 Skyfox as part of the country’s military aviation modernization and transition toward the F-16 Block 70.
• The Skyfox is designed for basic through Lead-In Fighter Training and is supported by a ground-based training system comprising a learning management system, desktop trainer, cockpit procedure trainer, Full Mission Simulator and mission planning and debriefing capability. Aero has already delivered the aircraft for military pilot training in the Czech Republic and Hungary and has conducted pilot conversion and instructor training for international operators. 

About Aero Vodochody
Aero Vodochody is a Czech aircraft manufacturer based in Vodochody whose activities include the development, production, maintenance and modernization of military aircraft and aerostructures. The company has produced more than 11,000 aircraft during its history and currently manufactures the L-39 Skyfox advanced trainer and tactical aircraft. The L-39 Skyfox training ecosystem combines the aircraft with ground-based training devices including a Full Mission Simulator and cockpit procedure training systems. Aero also operates an Approved Training Organisation providing pilot and instructor training for Skyfox customers.

Source: Aero Vodochody Aerospace