Czech Republic could supply Ukraine with 16 L-39 Skyfox jets, minister says during visit
The Czech Republic could supply Ukraine with up to 16 L-39 Skyfox military training aircraft, Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček said during an official visit to Ukraine.
Four aircraft had already been confirmed, while discussions during the visit focused on another 12, Havlíček told Czech news outlet iDNES on November 11.
“The preliminary confirmation is that it could work out,” he said.
The announcement came during a visit involving a Czech delegation of approximately 100 people, mostly business representatives, focused on defense cooperation, energy infrastructure and Ukraine's reconstruction.
Havlíček and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal opened a Czech-Ukrainian business forum and signed a memorandum on cooperation in nuclear energy, hydropower and renewable energy.
The two officials also visited a Ukrainian nuclear power plant, traveling together in Shmyhal's vehicle.
“To my surprise, security allowed it,” Havlíček remarked.
The Czech minister said he had watched footage of recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities and discussed ways Czech companies could help restore damaged infrastructure ahead of winter.
The visit also included talks on expanding natural gas production in Ukraine, including potential opportunities for Czech energy company MND.
Despite heightened security measures, the Czech delegation stopped at a gas station near Lviv to refuel.
Havlíček, described by iDNES as a beer enthusiast, took the opportunity to buy a can of Ukrainian beer.
“I want to try the local stuff,” he explained.
The minister had also brought Czech cut-glass beer mugs as gifts for Ukrainian government officials.
Whether the Ukrainian beer met his expectations was not reported.