Although the Chinese company did not specify the number of aircraft or the value of the sale, the UAE press reported some time ago that they would purchase 12 units, with the option of acquiring another 36 in the future.

In addition, officials from the United Arab Emirates explained that the operation is part of plans to diversify and modernize the country’s military capabilities.

The Hongdu L-15 is a light fighter trainer and combat aircraft. The plane’s maintenance costs are said to be low. The A variant is powered by two Ukrainian-made Ivchenko-Progress AI-222K-25 engines and has seven weapon hardpoints.

The B variant mounts two Russian-made AI-222K-25F engines, granting the plane shorter take-off and landing distances, and is outfitted with two more hardpoints. According to sources, 25% of the plane is made of composite materials, and its service life is about 10,000 hours. The model to be delivered supports mid-flight refueling.

The UAE is the first Middle Eastern state to adopt the L-15. Its other operators are Zambia and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army air and naval forces.

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