New Chinese advanced training aircraft flies for the first time

The next-generation Chinese trainer, built by HAIG, finally emerged and made its maiden flight.

After much anticipation, China’s next-generation light combat and training aircraft made its maiden flight on October 28, 2025. The aircraft was photographed both on the ground and in the air, still wearing a coat of yellow primer and with no visible serial numbers.

The JL-XX

The new aircraft is developed by Nanchang-based HAIG (Hongdu Aviation Industry Group), known for developing the CJ-6, JL-8 and JL-10 trainers for the PLA (People’s Liberation Army). The aircraft’s designation has not yet been officially announced and is therefore referred to as JL-XX by Chinese military observers.

Via “ACuriousPLAFan”/SDF:

„ It turns out that the “mini-Hornet”, that is, the JL-10 with two vertical stabilizers, is not exactly fan-fiction.

Posted by @琴石2022 on Weibo.” pic.twitter.com/Fi6cwox9Vx

– @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) May 6, 2024

Images of the new trainer first emerged in July, when it was briefly visible in the background of a CCTV (China’s main news network) segment about the JL-10. However, this is the first time it has been photographed in flight.

The JL-XX seen in the background of a television segment about the JL-10 in July 2025. (Image credit: Chinese Internet)

The JL-XX appears to be largely a clean design, although it is based on the design heritage of the JL-10. Among the differences are a new, redesigned nose, twin canted vertical stabilizers, much like those on the J-35 series of fighters (in contrast to the JL-10’s single vertical stabilizer), and the addition of twin ventral stabilizers reminiscent of those on the J-20 series.

Image of the JL-XX on the ground. (Image credit: Chinese Internet)

The presence of hard spots on the wingtips and a gray radome (which could signal an onboard radar) strongly hints that the JL-XX is a dual-purpose LIFT (Lead-In Fighter Training) and light fighter aircraft, comparable to platforms such as South Korea’s KAI FA-50. In this way, the plane could also perform other functions besides simply training new pilots.

A lower quality image showing the wingtip rails more clearly. Since the weather is drastically different from other images of the plane in flight, there is a possibility that this one was taken during a separate flight. (Image credit: Chinese Internet)

The JL-XX is believed to be powered by two “Minshan” turbofan engines, rated at approximately 4,000-5,000 kgf each, replacing the two Ukrainian AI-222-25s that power the JL-10. The exact designation of the engines is not yet confirmed, with competition reports identifying them as WS-17 or WS-12.

An infographic about AVIC’s Minshan engine (Image credit: Chinese Internet)

Other advanced trainers in service with the PLA

The PLAAF (People’s Liberation Army Air Force) and PLANAF (People’s Liberation Army Navy Air Force) currently operate two advanced trainers in their inventory: the JJ-7-based JL-9 and the more advanced JL-10. While the two trainers were developed around the same time (the JL-9 first flew in 2003 and the JL-10 in 2006), the two designs reflect a contrasting design philosophy.

……and until now pic.twitter.com/UnP3sSV3Av

– @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) October 28, 2025

The JL-9 was developed as a more cost-effective solution based on the JJ-7 trainer, which in turn was derived from the J-7 (the MiG-21 variant produced by the Chinese) and shares many common components such as its WP-13 engine and mechanical flight control system. Its lineage is quite obvious when looking at the tail section of the aircraft, but the forward fuselage and avionics were completely modernized. Export versions called FTC-2000 were also sold to multiple customers, such as the Sudanese and Myanmar air forces, for use as a cost-effective light attack aircraft.

A JL-9 with the PLAAF Harbin Flight Academy’s 5th Training Brigade. (Image credit: Author)

Its naval variant, designated JL-9G, was originally equipped with a tailhook, but it caused too much stress on the airframe and was therefore removed in production variants and can therefore only simulate ski jump takeoffs from land bases and landings without arresting equipment. The aircraft also features several improvements over the basic JL-9 to allow greater maneuverability and control at lower speeds as needed by carrier pilots, such as reinforced landing gear, enlarged wings, leading edge slats and root extensions. It also has a DSI like the FTC-2000, and later blocks also use a holographic HUD (Heads Up Display) like the JL-10.

A JL-10 with the 1st Training Brigade of the PLAAF Shijiazhuang Flight Academy. (Image credit: Author)

The JL-10, on the other hand, was developed as a more modern solution. It features two engines, digital fly-by-wire controls, a glass cockpit, and optional afterburning turbofans, and was developed by HAIG with technical assistance from Yakovlev (who had previously partnered with Aermacchi to develop the M-346 before splitting off to design the Yak-130, hence the JL-10’s striking similarity to the M-346 and Yak-130). It is also exported under the designation L-15 and has so far been ordered by countries such as the United Arab Emirates (United Arab Emirates) and Zambia.

Not much is known about its naval version, although at least a mock-up has been seen on the Fujian, which will soon be commissioned. It is speculated to feature a larger dorsal air brake, larger wing area, remodeled horizontal and vertical stabilizers, plus modifications necessary for an aircraft to operate from aircraft carriers.

Regarding the rumored JL-10J carrier-capable trainer aircraft, another clue was spotted next to the Fujian aircraft carrier: it appears to be an unfinished JL-10J mockup stored at the dock.

So the question is: Two tails as shown in the last CG or just one like the normal JL-10? pic.twitter.com/BM8W8MRGWK

– @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) March 19, 2024