Hungary, Italy temporarily take on Croatian air defence

Hungary and Italy have temporarily assumed responsibility for Croatia’s air defense during its transition from MiG-21 aircraft to Dassault Rafale jets. Hungarian Air Force Saab Gripens and Italian Air Force Eurofighter F-2000s will provide air policing and quick reaction alert (QRA) until late 2025 or early 2026. This arrangement is part of NATO’s air-policing missions and comes at no cost to Croatia. The agreement signifies the official retirement of the MiG-21 from Croatian service. This collaboration ensures Croatia’s airspace security during its military modernization. Original news

Aero Vodochody confident of further export deals as L-39NG is rebranded Skyfox

Aero Vodochody has renamed its L-39NG jet trainer as the L-39 Skyfox, aiming to boost sales to customers like Vietnam and Hungary. CEO Viktor Sotona is optimistic about expanding beyond the current 28 aircraft orders, focusing on legacy L-39 operators in Africa and NATO countries. Though a deal with Slovakia seems logical, the country has chosen the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 as its main combat aircraft. Aero Vodochody is also growing its aerostructures business, signing a memorandum of understanding with Embraer to enhance cooperation on the C-390 program. Additionally, the company is increasing production for Spirit AeroSystems and other […]