The Global Times reported on March 9 that jet fighter pilot cadets at the PLAAF's Shijiazhuang Flight Academy have received intensified training with the newly commissioned JL-10 Falcon to familiarise cadets with the country's top combat planes like the J-16 and J-20. Weihutang, a columnist on military affairs affiliated with China Central Television, said (March 5) the Shijiazhuang Flight Academy was satisfied with the JL-10 and recognised its performance during the specialised training. The JL-10 is an incubator for third- and fourth-generation jet fighter pilots. The third- and fourth-generation in Chinese standard equals to fourth- and fifth-generation in international standard, which includes fighter jets like J-10, J-11, J-16, and J-20. Known as the L-15 for its export model, the JL-10 Falcon is a newly developed training and light combat aircraft that uses advanced technology, including an advanced aerodynamic design, a fly-by-wire control system, and an open avionics structure. It is equipped with many advanced technologies that other Chinese trainers like the K-8, do not have. An expert said that when required the JL-10 can also be equipped with weapons and serve as a ground attack aircraft, so it is not just a trainer. Weihutang said it has the potential to be developed into a type of aircraft carrier-based training jet.
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