Emirati Plans For Chinese Jet Trainer Could Further Muddy U.S. Ties

Tony Osborne March 02, 2022
Hongdu Aviation L-15 Falcon fighter aircraft
At the Dubai Airshow, this L-15 discharged smoke in the colors of the UAE flag. But its acquisition will likely further complicate the country’s defense relationship with the U.S.
Credit: Mark Wagner/Aviation Images
Abu Dhabi’s decision to select a Chinese jet trainer appears to cast further doubt on the future of Emirati plans to purchase the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. In a surprise move, the United Arab Emirates’ defense ministry announced Feb. 23 it was planning to contract with China’s National Aero...
Tony Osborne

Based in London, Tony covers European defense programs. Prior to joining Aviation Week in November 2012, Tony was at Shephard Media Group where he was deputy editor for Rotorhub and Defence Helicopter magazines.

Emirati Plans For Chinese Jet Trainer Could Further Muddy U.S. Ties is available to both Aviation Week & Space Technology and AWIN subscribers.

Subscribe now to read this content, plus receive critical analysis into emerging trends, technological advancements, operational best practices and continuous updates to policy, requirements and budgets.

Already a subscriber to AW&ST or AWIN? Log in with your existing email and password.

Subscribe    Log in    

Related Content

Samad UAS
Without Conventional Airpower, Yemen’s Houthis Turn To UAS
Boeing F/A-XX concept art
U.S. Navy Carves Independent Path For Future Fighter Design
full-scale mock-up of the Hurjet
Turkish Aerospace Presses Ahead Despite Terrorist Attack
Collaborative Combat Aircraft in flight concept art
Lockheed Martin CEO Hints At Lower-Cost CCA Approach
Bell V-280 Valor
U.S. Army Begins Adjustment To Tiltrotor Speed For FLRAA