United Arab Emirates Air Force received two L-15 trainer jets from China

The United Arab Emirates Air Force has acquired its first two Hongdu L-15 Falcon advanced trainer jets . Both planes were flown directly from China.

The two aircraft, marked L15 64 and L15 65, will reportedly join the Dubai Airshow 2023 on November 13-17.

Previously, China's aerospace industry (AVIC) announced on February 21, 2023, that it had signed an agreement to export the L15 trainer jet to the United Arab Emirates.

The initial contract agreement is for a dozen L15s and possibly an additional 36 aircraft.

This purchase is considered a historic agreement, because this is the first time the United Arab Emirates has purchased an aircraft made in China, having previously been loyal to Western products.

With the success of exports to the United Arab Emirates, it is hoped that it can significantly increase China's reach for L15 sales to other countries in the Middle East region.

Regarding the L-15, as a LIFT ( Lead-in fighter Trainer ) aircraft, this jet has adopted digital quadruple Fly-by-Wire (FBW), glass cockpit (two multi-color screens for the front and rear), and Hands on Throttle flight control and Stick (HOTAS).

With the L15 jet, student pilots will be able to complete mission flight training and advanced combat training, as well as complete all basic jet flight training courses.

Acting as a light fighter jet, the L15 has six hardpoints (four under the wings and two wingtips) to carry various weapons in the form of a combination of missiles and bombs up to 3.5 tons.

The propulsion is in the form of two turbofan engines, namely the Ivchenko-Progress AI-222K-25 or the AI-222-25F series.

The aircraft has a performance with a maximum speed of 1,715 km/hour, a flying height of up to 16,000 m, and an operating range of 550 km.