Pakistan is in formal negotiations with China to acquire light attack aircraft to replace its aging fleet of F-7PG fighters.
The potential acquisition of the Hongdu L-15 trainer aircraft, in its armed variant, aims to provide the Pakistan Air Force with a versatile and cost-effective platform for combat pilot training and ground attack missions.
The L-15’s nine hardpoints can accommodate a diverse range of weaponry, including HJ-10 anti-tank guided missiles and LS series of laser- and satellite-guided bombs, for effective ground attack capabilities.
Equipped with a suite of advanced Chinese sensors, including multi-mode targeting pods and electronic jammers, the L-15 also boasts an anti-aircraft role, complemented by the integration of PL-12 long-range air-to-air missiles and PL-10 infrared-guided short-range missiles.
Additional fuel drop tanks can further extend the L-15’s combat radius to 500km, enhancing its operational efficiency and on-station flight duration.
November 18,2023
source: Defence blog