Pakistan Reportedly Negotiating for L-15 Trainers from China Plus

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is reportedly speaking to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) for the procurement of Hongdu L-15 lead-in-fighter-trainers (LIFT). The reports emerged from the 2023 Dubai Air Show, where AVIC officials indicated that the PAF was now seeking the L-15.

PAF interest in the L-15 is not new or recent. In fact, the PAF publicly revealed that it was seeking a LIFT in 2017, following a period of testing numerous options, such as the Leonardo M-346, Aero L-159, and the Hongdu L-15, among others. In late 2018, the PAF revealed that it wanted an aircraft with an afterburning engine, multi-mode radar, and tactical data-link (TDL) system.

Being the sole option equipped with both features, the Hongdu L-15B rose as the likeliest choice, especially considering it is free of any ITAR-regulated subsystems and inputs.

During the 2018 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS), Quwa probed AVIC officials about the PAF’s LIFT requirements. AVIC had confirmed that it was actively promoting the L-15B to the PAF, but it was “too early” comment further at the time. It now seems that the LIFT is in the pipeline.

Though it has been five years since the PAF signalled its need for a LIFT aircraft, the PAF was also busy with other major procurement programs in the lead up to this point. The most notable of these programs was the acquisition of the AVIC J-10CE Dragon multi-role fighter, followed by the Bayraktar Akıncı drone, JF-17 Block-III, and, if an official promotional video is correct, the HQ-9 air defence system.

Background: Hongdu L-15B

The L-15B improves on the baseline L-15 platform by integrating the afterburning variant of the AI-222-25 turbofan engine, the AI-222-25F. Ukraine’s Motor-Sich later announced that it was transitioning its engine production line to the AI-322F, which is basically the AI-222-25F, but completely localized in Ukraine. The AI-322F offers a thrust of 24.5 kN (2,500 kgf) in takeoff mode, and 41.2 kN (4,200 kgf) when afterburning.

AVIC also configured the L-15B with an X-band passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar providing a maximum range of over 75 km. The L-15B’s avionics suite comprises of a head-up display (HUD), colour multifunction displays (MFD) in both the front and rear glass cockpits, and other subsystems found multi-role combat aircraft. The flight control system leverages a fully digital three-axis fly-by-wire (FBW) system paired to a hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) control suite.