An L15 advanced trainer jet developed by China is seen in a report by China Central Television (CCTV) News on June 8, 2025. Photo: Screenshot from CCTV News

Official media on Sunday unveiled details of the FTC-2000G and the L15, which are two types of Chinese export-oriented combat trainer aircraft that an aviation expert said are highly competitive in the global market due to their high cost-effectives dual-role capabilities for both training and combat, as well as China's capability to provide comprehensive technological support.

The FTG-2000G light multipurpose fighter jet, an export version of the JL-9 trainer aircraft, features a T-shaped wing configuration combined with strakes and flaps to significantly improve its performances at low altitudes and low speeds, China Central Television (CCTV) News reported on Sunday.

The FTC-2000G had carried out a test flight with an improved version of radar, testing the radar's capabilities among other basic performances, according to the report.

The aircraft features a radar in the nose, DSI air intakes under both sides of the nose, a maximum takeoff weight of 11 tons, a top speed of Mach 1.2, and a maximum range of 2,400 kilometers, making it a highly competent light combat-attack trainer aircraft very suitable for developing countries to replace their old fighter jets, CCTV News said.

Another top Chinese trainer aircraft, the L15, is also available on the international market.

The L-15 exhibits typical third-generation (or fourth-generation on another widely used classification) fighter characteristics, featuring a large strake aerodynamic design, a highly blended wing-body structure, an advanced digital fly-by-wire flight control system, and an integrated avionics system based on open bus architecture, CCTV News reported, noting that the aircraft boasts agile handling and strong high-angle-of-attack maneuverability, fully meeting the requirements for basic combat flight training and tactical conversion training for third-generation fighter pilots, representing one of China's advanced combat trainers on the global market.

An enhanced version of the made-for-export L15 can carry two air-to-surface bombs, two infrared-guided air-to-air missiles and two external fuel tanks along with a gun pod, making it a highly capable light attack aircraft. Combined with its excellent flight performance, maneuverability, and handling characteristics, the aircraft is particularly well-suited for low-to-medium altitude tactical operations, delivering effective close air support, CCTV News said.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force uses a domestic version of the L15 under the designation of the JL-10, according to the CCTV News report.

Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times on Sunday that both the FTC-2000G and the L15 are multirole aircraft capable of both training and combat missions. He noted that the FTC-2000G is a super economic-friendly aircraft derived from the well-established J-7 fighter jet, while the L15 is a product for a higher-end market, he said.

A core advantage for both aircraft lies in China's complete technological independence, enabling China to provide full sets of solutions related to the aircraft including maintenance and manufacturing facilities construction and technology transfer, in addition to just price advantages, Wang said.