On new wings

Milestone in the history of the air force and the Hungarian Defence Forces

Text: Ministry of Defence, defence.hu/MTI | Photo: Sztaniszláv Horváth, Tünde Rácz | 14:49 May 30, 2025

“The Hungarian pilots have received new wings with the arrival of the first L-39 Skyfoxes. We are continuously developing the Hungarian air force as well, as the safeguarding of our airspace is of key importance. These L-39 Skyfox military training and light tactical aircraft strengthen not only the capabilities of the Hungarian air force but also at once the defence of Hungarian people” – wrote Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky on his social media page on 30 May.

Speaking at the reception of the first batch of L-39 Skyfox tactical trainers, MoD State Secretary for Force Development and Defence Policy Zsolt Kutnyánszky said that it is our mission to create security, because “the strong Hungarian military and the well-trained air force are “the guarantees of our collective peace”. At the event held in the area of the Hungarian Defence Forces 101st Aviation Wing, Zsolt Kutnyánszky called Kecskemét the citadel of Hungarian military flying and the arrival of the aircraft the opening of a new era.

“Today is a milestone in the life of the Hungarian Defence Forces and the Hungarian air force” – he said. The first L-39 Skyfox jet trainers have arrived, and they are not only modern in the technological sense but are also the symbols of that determined, energetic and purposeful military development program which Hungary launched years ago, and which it will consistently implement – he stated.

Photos by Sztaniszláv Horváth