Now fixed: China coach in UAE colors

As already mentioned in a detailed article after the Dubai Airshow 2022 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now actually ordered twelve Hongdu L-15B jet trainers (known as JL-10 in China’s air force).

The Chinese aviation conglomerate AVIC (Aviation Industry Corporation of China) confirmed to Militär Aktuell that it had signed a corresponding contract with an option for a further 36 aircraft during the IDEX arms fair in Abu Dhabi in mid-February. According to an AVIC official, the twelve aircraft are to be built for the UAE over the next two years and delivered to Al Ain (where the UAE AF Academy is located). Further aircraft would be an option, but he did not want to commit himself to a later number. He referred to the version as the L-15B and said it would also have an aerial refueling probe and weapons computer. “We don’t tell anyone what they can and can’t have”
Whether the Chinese industry now sees this deal as a sign of growing independence from user countries that are otherwise equipped by the West when it comes to important decisions, and whether this will result in increased potential? Answer: “I can’t speak for the whole market or the whole spectrum. But we don’t tell countries what they can and can’t have. Rather, we support their requirements with what we think best suits them. And as you can see, it has worked here. And that will set an example, not just in relation to L-15, but overall. That is perhaps the real potential.” Engine question remains unanswered
In contrast to the Italian M-346, which is very similar except for the rear sectionvery similar to the Italian M-346 from Leonardo or the Russian Yak-130, the L-15 is supersonic. However, Ukrainian Ivchenko-Progress AI-322F engines from Motor-Sich in Zaporozhye were previously used in the jet. It is possible that, in view of the Ukraine war be replaced by the Chinese WS-17 Mishin engine, but the AVIC official did not comment on this. He only said that several hundred (!) AI-322F engines had been delivered to China since 2016, meaning that AVIC had a sufficient supply.