The Guizhou JL-9 aircraft in new desert livery, being prepared for the 11th Airshow China 2016 – The 11th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai.

The JL-9  is an advance trainer or light attack aircraft designed and manufactured by the Guizhou Aircraft Industry Corporation (GAIC) of China.

The JL-9 was designed to be a successor to the earlier JJ-7 trainer and resembles many of its features. The JL-9 has upgraded avionics and engine. It is intended to train pilots to fly high-performance aircraft, such as advanced forth-generation fighters, the J-10 and Su-27.

It is worth mentioning that it took the shortest time to develop the JL-9 in Chinese aviation history. Aircraft made its maiden flight only two years after the programme started.

The PLAAF began using the JL-9 for training on 18 October 2015.

The 11th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China 2016) will be held at China International Aviation Exhibition Center, Zhuhai during Nov. 1-6, 2016.