Justin Bronk, an expert at the British Royal United Services Institute, proposed in his analysis that NATO create a multinational squadron specialized in intercepting and destroying attack drones. Media reported on it on 25 September 2026.[1][4] He named the Czech L-39NG Skyfox jet trainer, manufactured by Aero Vodochody, as one of the most suitable platforms.[1][2]

Proposal

According to Bronk, repeatedly launching modern combat aircraft against one-way attack drones is not sustainable in the long term, as it consumes fighter flight hours and stocks of expensive missiles.[1][3] The squadron could have roughly 16 to 24 aircraft and crews dedicated exclusively to this task. Parts of it could operate, for example, in Poland, Romania, or the Baltic states.[1][3]

According to Bronk, the Skyfox has significantly lower operating costs than more advanced jet trainers and sufficient performance even against faster jet-powered versions of Russian Geran drones. He also cited Aero's more readily available production capacity as an advantage.[1][3] The aircraft has no radar of its own, so it would be guided to the target by ground-based means, an AWACS early warning aircraft, or more capable machines.[1] Instead of conventional guided missiles, Bronk recommended cheaper laser- or infrared-guided rockets. According to him, the Skyfox could carry 14 LGR275 rockets in two underwing pods, and the squadron could be established within a few years if given sufficient priority.[1][4]

Aero Vodochody

Aero Vodochody spokesman Lukáš Hora said the company is developing the L-39 Skyfox Drone Hunter concept in cooperation with Thales Belgium.[1] L-39NG Skyfox aircraft are used, among others, by the Flight Training Centre of the state enterprise LOM Praha in Pardubice, where they are replacing older L-39C Albatros aircraft.[1]

Chronology

Sources

  1. ČTK / České noviny — 25 September 2026
  2. Seznam Zprávy — 25 September 2026
  3. Hospodářské noviny — 25 September 2026
  4. E15 — 25 September 2026