The United Arab Emirates Air Force's national aerobatic team, Al Fursan (officially Fursan Al Emarat), demonstrated Chinese-built L-15E advanced trainer jets at Morocco's Marrakech Air Show 2026, according to a report by CGTN cited by the Global Times. The event took place from Wednesday to Saturday, marking the latest international display of the Hongdu L-15 platform.
Al Fursan adopted the Chinese-built L-15E in 2025. Described as a fourth-generation fly-by-wire fighter trainer jet, the aircraft incorporates digital control systems designed to refine pilot inputs and enhance flight performance, following previous international displays including a major US airshow appearance in July.
Organizers announced at a Beijing press conference that Al Fursan and Russia's Russian Knights aerobatic team will perform as invited foreign guests at the 16th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China). State broadcaster CCTV News reported that this marks only the second time since 2016 that two foreign military aerobatic teams will participate in the event alongside the Chinese PLA Air Force's August 1st team.
A military affairs expert cited by the Global Times stated that the L-15's repeated high-profile deployments both within China and globally demonstrate the aircraft's operational versatility and reflect expanding trust from international military users.
Sources
- Global Times · 2026-10-13
