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.

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