The Czech Republic and Azerbaijan are exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in the aviation sector, including the potential supply of Czech-made L-39NG aircraft, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has said.

Babiš made the remarks while speaking to journalists in Dublin, according to Report.

He said Prague was offering Baku modernized L-39NG trainer and light combat aircraft manufactured by Czech company Aero Vodochody. The aircraft are being promoted internationally as a cost-effective option for countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

"The aircraft is gradually earning an excellent reputation as a 'Drone Hunter.' It has lower operating costs, and it makes sense to use cheaper means to destroy drones rather than launch F-16s equipped with missiles costing one million euros at them," the Czech prime minister said.

Babiš also revealed that Prague is negotiating the potential delivery of eight L-39NG aircraft to Bulgaria. He plans to discuss the issue with his Bulgarian counterpart.

The discussions highlight growing interest in cost-effective aviation solutions designed to address the increasing use of drones in modern warfare.