The United Arab Emirates’ Al Fursan aerobatic display team is making its first Dubai air show appearance flying Chinese-produced Hongdu L-15 advanced jet trainers.
Pictured ahead of the 17-21 November event’s opening, the new assets have been introduced in place of the team’s previous Leonardo-supplied Aermacchi MB-339s. The Al Fursan display involves seven examples of the twin-engined L-15.
The UAE announced a roughly $440 million order for a dozen L-15s ahead of the last Dubai air show two years ago, detailing a potential total need for up to 36 examples.
The design is also operated by China’s air force and navy under the designation JL-10, with Zambia’s air force also operating the export-model L-15.
European Defence Editor Craig Hoyle has reported on the UK, European and international military aviation sector for almost 30 years, and has also been the Editor of Flight International since 2015. He joined FlightGlobal in 2003, and also compiles our annual World Air Forces directory.View full Profile
