First UAE AF L-15 Falcons

The first two Hongdu L-15 Falcon advanced jet training aircraft for the United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAEAF) have been revealed at Al Maktoum International (UAE).

Both aircraft, marked L15 64 and L15 65, are reported to take part in the Dubai Airshow later this month. In February 2023, the UAEAF signed a contract for fifteen Hongdu L-15 Falcons at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference IDEX (IDEX 23) exposition in Abu Dhabi (UAE).

In February 2022, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence (MoD) outlined its intention to purchase twelve L-15 jet trainers, with the option for 36 additional aircraft.

The two aircraft are painted in a livery normally worn by an aerial demonstration team. Undefined reports suggest that the L-15s have been ordered to replace the MB339s operated by the Al Fursan demonstration team.

Credit photo: via @太湖军I名 and @Oneninety from Weibo