The UAE aerobatic team, Al Fursan, has introduced a new fleet of Hongdu L-15 jets at the Dubai Airshow 2025, after 15 years of flying the Aermacchi MB-339. The appearance marks the team’s first aircraft change since its creation.
Al Fursan’s L-15s appeared at Dubai Airshow 2025 in a revised version of the team’s black-and-gold paint scheme.
Origins of the team
Al Fursan was formed ahead of the 2011 Dubai Airshow, with Italian support from Frecce Tricolori instructors and a fleet of MB-339s. The team has since taken part in major airshows across Europe, the Gulf, and Asia, becoming a regular feature in the region’s display circuit.
The MB-339s served the UAE aerobatic team for roughly 15 years. By comparison, several long-established display teams, including the Red Arrows, Frecce Tricolori, the Patrouille de France, and the Thunderbirds, have flown the same aircraft type for several decades, making Al Fursan’s switch to the L-15 relatively early in the life of a display fleet.
About the L-15
The L-15, known as the JL-10 in Chinese service, is an advanced jet trainer developed by Hongdu with design input from Russia’s Yakovlev bureau, designer of the Yak-130 trainer. It features a digital cockpit, fly-by-wire controls, and twin engines. Variants include supersonic capability and weapon hardpoints, although the aircraft delivered to the UAE are configured for the aerobatic role.
China is the primary operator, with Zambia also flying the type. The UAE is the L-15’s highest-profile export customer to date. The UAE has ordered 12 L-15s with options for additional aircraft. The air force has not detailed whether the type will remain exclusive to Al Fursan or take on wider training duties.
AeroTime is covering the Dubai Airshow 2025 live from the show floor, delivering breaking news and exclusive insights throughout the week. Drop by booth #294 to meet our team during the event.
