Aircraft
China Needs Advanced Jet Trainers But L-15 Not Yet Confirmed
China displayed a prototype L-15 advanced jet trainer at the 2009 Dubai Air Show. (Photo: Chris Pocock)
China displayed a prototype L-15 advanced jet trainer at the 2009 Dubai Air Show. (Photo: Chris Pocock)

The fatal crash of an Su-27UBK fighter trainer of the China’s People Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in late March has called attention to the lack of advanced jet trainers for pilots of China’s third-generation fighters, the Su-27, J-10 and J-11. But although the L-15 has been under development by Nanchang-based Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG), there is no confirmation from within China that the PLAAF has placed a substantial production order. AIN previously reported that 250 AI222-25F turbofans had been ordered from the Ukraine, to power the L-15.