Aero Vodochody and Thales Belgium have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to further develop the counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) capabilities of the L-39 Skyfox jet, including continued integration and testing of Thales’ 70 mm rocket system.
The Skyfox, developed as the L-39NG and renamed in October 2024, is a two-seat jet trainer and light combat aircraft. It succeeds the L-39 Albatros, which first flew in 1968. Aero built almost 3,000 Albatros jets, around 700 of which remain in civil and military service.
Aero’s announcement does not identify the rocket variant covered by the MoU. Thales Belgium’s FZ275 semi-active laser-guided rocket has a range of 1,500 to 7,000 meters (approximately 0.9 to 4.3 miles).
