Defense & Military
UAE Al Fursan Team Debuts Chinese L15 Jet at Dubai Airshow
UAE’s Al Fursan aerobatic team replaces Italian jets with Chinese L-15s, signaling defense diversification and advanced fleet upgrade.
China’s L-15 Jet Finds a New Home with UAE’s Al Fursan
The skies above the Dubai Airshow witnessed a notable shift in aerial acrobatics and international defense partnerships. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force’s national aerobatic display team, Al Fursan, or “The Knights,” has officially transitioned from its long-serving Italian-made Aermacchi MB-339 jets to the Chinese-developed Hongdu L-15 Falcon. This debut performance marks a significant milestone, not just for the display team, but also for the deepening military and industrial ties between the UAE and China. The move underscores a broader trend of diversification in the UAE’s defense procurement strategy, signaling a more independent approach in a complex geopolitical landscape.
For years, Al Fursan has been a symbol of Emirati pride, captivating audiences with precision flying. The decision to replace their trusted Italian trainers with a supersonic, advanced jet from China was first signaled in early 2022. The L-15, known as the JL-10 in China, represents a leap in technology and capability for the team. The aircraft’s introduction into the UAE’s fleet is more than a simple equipment upgrade; it is a calculated step reflecting the nation’s goal to source the best available capabilities to meet its strategic objectives, regardless of the country of origin. This acquisition places the UAE among a select group of export customers for the advanced Chinese trainer, highlighting the L-15’s growing appeal on the international market.
The New Knights: A Closer Look at the L-15
The Hongdu L-15 Falcon is a two-seat, twin-engine supersonic platform designed as an advanced jet trainer with light attack capabilities. Developed by China’s Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation (HAIG), it is equipped with a digital fly-by-wire control system and integrated Avionics, placing it on par with contemporary training aircraft. The aircraft is lauded for its reliability and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for air forces looking to modernize their training fleets without committing to the higher costs associated with Western-made equivalents. In its home country, the JL-10 serves with both the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and Navy, preparing pilots for a new generation of fighter jets.
For its role with Al Fursan, the L-15 has been given a striking new visual identity. The team’s seven aircraft now sport a distinctive gold and black color scheme, a departure from their previous look. This new livery was crafted by renowned Italian designer Mirco Pecorari, who also designed the scheme for the team’s MB-339s. Pecorari described the L-15 as a “very beautiful airplane with nice proportions,” making it an ideal canvas for an aerobatic team’s colors. The underside of each wing proudly displays the UAE flag. For their performances, the jets are fitted with a centerline pylon carrying a small diesel fuel tank to generate the smoke trails that are a signature of aerobatic displays.
The performance at the Dubai Airshow showcased the L-15’s agility and the skill of the Al Fursan pilots. The team executed high-energy, close-formation maneuvers, demonstrating a seamless transition to the new, more advanced aircraft. While the initial displays featured only white smoke, the visual impact of the seven jets flying in tight coordination was undeniable. This public debut served as a powerful demonstration of the L-15’s capabilities and the UAE Air Force’s confidence in its new asset.
Military expert Wang Mingliang noted the L-15’s performance is “on-par with third-generation fighters” and that it can be armed to serve as a real fighter if needed, emphasizing China’s intent to promote its local products in the global market.
A Strategic Partnership Takes Flight
The UAE’s acquisition of the L-15 is the culmination of a process that began with an announcement of intent in February 2022. A formal order for an initial 12 aircraft was confirmed at the 2023 Dubai Airshow, a deal valued at approximately $440 million. These first dozen aircraft are designated for the Al Fursan team. However, the agreement includes an option for an additional 36 L-15s. This larger potential order is linked to the UAE’s separate requirement for a new-generation jet trainer to replace its aging fleet of BAE Systems Hawks. The performance and operational success of the L-15 with Al Fursan will likely be a key factor in the decision to exercise these options.
This deal is a clear indicator of the UAE’s strategy to diversify its military suppliers. Officials from the Tawazun Economic Council, which manages the country’s defense procurement, have emphasized that this approach allows the nation to “obtain the best capabilities that fit their needs and achieve their strategic goals.” By looking beyond its traditional Western partners, the UAE reduces its reliance on a single source for critical defense hardware and gains greater flexibility in its foreign policy. The L-15 acquisition follows a pattern of the UAE purchasing other Chinese military equipment, most notably armed uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
The geopolitical context of this purchase is also significant. The announcement of the L-15 deal came during a period of strained negotiations between the UAE and the United States over a potential sale of the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet. While the two issues may not be directly linked, the decision to procure a major platform from China while a high-profile American deal was facing hurdles sends a clear message about the UAE’s increasingly independent and pragmatic defense policy. It demonstrates a willingness to engage with non-traditional partners to meet its national security needs.
Conclusion: New Colors in the Sky, New Lines on the Map
The debut of the Chinese L-15 with the UAE’s Al Fursan aerobatic team is more than just a spectacular airshow performance. It represents a tangible outcome of the UAE’s strategic pivot towards a diversified defense procurement model and a deepening of its relationship with China. The sleek, gold-and-black jets are a symbol of a new era for the UAE Air Force, one defined by advanced capabilities sourced from a global marketplace. The successful integration of the L-15 will be closely watched, as it could pave the way for a much larger order and further solidify China’s position as a key defense supplier in the Middle East.
Looking ahead, this partnership has broader implications for regional and global defense dynamics. As more nations seek to balance their strategic relationships and modernize their armed forces in a cost-effective manner, platforms like the L-15 are likely to gain further traction. The Al Fursan team, flying their new Chinese jets, will serve as a high-profile advertisement for the aircraft and for the growing potential of Sino-Emirati cooperation. Their performances will not only thrill audiences but also serve as a reminder of the shifting alliances and evolving technological landscape that are reshaping the 21st-century world.
FAQ
Question: What aircraft did the Al Fursan team use before the L-15?
Answer: Before acquiring the Chinese Hongdu L-15, the Al Fursan team flew Italian-made Aermacchi MB-339NAT jet trainers.
Question: How many L-15 aircraft has the UAE ordered?
Answer: The UAE has placed a firm order for 12 L-15 aircraft, which are being used by the Al Fursan team. The contract includes an option for an additional 36 aircraft.
Question: Why did the UAE choose a Chinese aircraft?
Answer: The acquisition is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to diversify its military suppliers. Officials have stated this policy helps the nation obtain the best capabilities to fit its needs and strategic goals, reducing reliance on any single country for defense hardware.
Sources
Military Technology
Saab Demonstrates Autonomous BVR AI Agents on Gripen E
Saab unveiled in-house AI agents for autonomous BVR air combat on the Gripen E after two years of flight testing.
Saab AB has successfully demonstrated autonomous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air combat capabilities using proprietary artificial intelligence agents integrated into a Gripen E fighter aircraft. The Swedish aerospace manufacturer officially unveiled the in-house technology on November 3, 2026, following approximately two years of airborne testing.
In a press release issued today, Saab confirmed the flight trials mark a critical step toward developing collaborative combat aircraft networks, where crewed and uncrewed systems operate as a coordinated force. The milestone underscores the company’s strategy to maintain sovereign control over its technology stack rather than relying entirely on external software providers.
Sovereign AI development and the Sferical facility
Saab centralized its artificial intelligence development under the AI Fighter Pilot Academy (AIFPA), an infrastructure designed to create, train, and evaluate AI agents. The department driving this initiative, Saab Advanced Programs, features a workforce where 40 percent of the staff hold doctorate-level qualifications, according to Aviation International News.
Peter Nilsson, Head of Advanced Programs at Saab Aeronautics, emphasized the operational focus of the project.
“We have not only built our own AI agents, but we have also flown them. This demonstrates our capability to develop AI agents that can be integrated into operational fighter aircraft. The future of air combat will not be defined by individual platforms acting alone, but by networks of crewed and uncrewed systems working together as a coordinated force. Through our ownership of the entire technology stack, we are building the capabilities needed for that future.”
To support this development, Saab recently implemented the Sferical AI facility in Linköping, Sweden. Part-owned by Saab, Ericsson, and AstraZeneca, the sovereign computing asset utilizes Nvidia’s DGX SuperPOD architecture. Aviation International News reported that the facility is powered by 1,152 Nvidia Grace Blackwell GB300 graphics processing units. This computing power allows Saab to run a one-hour flight test simulation one billion times in the same period, compared to just 1,200 times in a traditional central processing unit environment.
Speaking to Breaking Defense, Nilsson outlined the primary challenge facing the AIFPA following the successful flight trials.
“The harder question is how we turn this success into a dependable capability that can learn, improve, and be relevant over time… that is the true purpose of the AI Fighter Pilot Academy.”
Gripen E architecture and testing timeline
Saab, which employs approximately 31,000 people globally, utilized the Gripen E as the primary testbed for its AI agents. The aircraft features a software-defined architecture that segregates mission software from flight-critical functions. This separation enables the rapid integration and testing of new technologies without requiring dedicated experimental platforms or compromising safety of flight.
Prior to unveiling its in-house agents, Saab collaborated with third-party developers to validate the aircraft’s autonomous potential. On May 28, 2025, a Gripen E trials aircraft flew for the first time with the Centaur AI agent developed by Helsing, demonstrating initial BVR air combat capabilities.
Following these third-party trials, Saab transitioned to testing its proprietary agents. The company briefed journalists on the readiness of its in-house AI agents for operational deployment on October 30, 2026, before the official public unveiling on November 3, 2026.
Collaborative combat and future integration
The integration of artificial intelligence into combat aircraft aligns with a broader industry shift toward Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) concepts. Defence contractors globally are developing networks where crewed fighters command uncrewed loyal wingman platforms.
Saab is actively testing the sensor networks required for these collaborative operations. On October 28, 2026, Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully flight-tested an unmanned airborne early warning (AEW) capability, integrating Saab’s LoyalEye radar with an MQ-9B unmanned UAV.
Looking ahead, Saab anticipates that the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Swedish Air Force will absorb these AI agents into real-world operations within months or single digits of years, according to Aviation International News. In the interim, Saab plans to expand the capabilities of its agents by flying them in a broader range of scenarios, establishing the foundation for future uncrewed platforms.
AirPro News analysis
Saab’s insistence on sovereign, in-house artificial intelligence development contrasts with competitors who heavily outsource to commercial technology firms. By owning the entire technology stack, Saab positions itself to offer highly secure, exportable AI packages free from third-party licensing bottlenecks or foreign regulatory hurdles. The massive investment in the Sferical AI facility indicates we are seeing a shift from experimental AI flight tests to industrialized, mass-scale tactical training for autonomous systems. If Saab can deliver on its timeline for Swedish Air Forces integration, the Gripen E could become one of the first Western fighters to field operational, combat-ready AI agents in frontline service.
Defense & Military
Greece Orders Up to Six Embraer KC-390 Millennium Aircraft
Greece signed a government-to-government deal with Portugal for up to six KC-390 Millennium aircraft, with first delivery in 2027.
The Hellenic Ministry of National Defense has signed a government-to-government agreement with Portugal to acquire up to six Embraer KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft, making Greece the seventh European nation to select the Brazilian-built tactical airlifter.
Announced by Embraer in a press release on November 2, 2026, the contract includes three firm orders and options for three additional aircraft, with the first delivery to the Hellenic Air Force scheduled for 2027. The acquisition aims to modernize Greece’s airlift and air-to-air refueling capabilities while enhancing interoperability with allied North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces.
Expanding the European footprint
The procurement is structured as a bilateral agreement between the governments of Greece and Portugal. By selecting the KC-390 Millennium, Greece joins a growing list of NATO and European Union member states transitioning to the jet-powered transport to replace legacy turboprop fleets.
Embraer views the Greek acquisition as a validation of the aircraft’s utility within the European defense architecture, where interoperability and multi-role flexibility are primary requirements for fleet modernization.
“We are honored by Greece’s decision to acquire the KC-390 Millennium. This choice underscores the trust and confidence that leading NATO members place in our aircraft,” Bosco Da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said in the company statement. “This very important milestone further solidifies the aircraft’s position as a preferred solution for military airlift among NATO allies.”
Da Costa Junior added that the aircraft’s proven performance, reliability, and cost efficiency make it an ideal choice for nations seeking to enhance their operational capabilities.
The KC-390’s development and market position
The Embraer C-390 and KC-390 Millennium is a medium-size, twin-engine jet-powered military transport aircraft designed to perform aerial refueling, troop transport, and cargo airlift. Development of the platform began in the mid-2000s. The Brazilian Air Force formally joined the project in 2009 by awarding a development contract to Embraer, a manufacturer with over 55 years of history and more than 9,000 aircraft delivered worldwide.
The aircraft completed its maiden flight in 2015, achieved civil certification in 2018, and entered military operational service in September 2019. It was developed specifically as a modern, jet-powered alternative to legacy turboprop tactical transports like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
Greece is the seventh European nation to select the aircraft, joining Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. Outside of Europe, the aircraft has been acquired by the air forces of Brazil, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Colombia.
The program has seen significant momentum in recent months. On July 8, 2026, the Czech Air Force received its first C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, which featured a special three-tone gray camouflage designed by the Military History Institute in Prague. Shortly after, on July 23, 2026, Colombia signed a contract for two KC-390 Millennium transports, with one configured as a tanker to support its incoming Gripen fighter fleet.
AirPro News analysis
Embraer’s success in Europe with the KC-390 Millennium highlights a definitive shift in the tactical airlift market. For decades, the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules dominated this space. The KC-390’s jet-powered speed, payload capacity, and multi-mission flexibility have proven highly attractive to medium-sized NATO air forces looking to modernize. Securing Greece, a nation with stringent defense requirements and a focus on regional interoperability, validates Embraer’s strategy of leveraging early European adopters like Portugal to facilitate government-to-government sales. We expect this momentum to place increasing pressure on competing legacy platforms in upcoming recapitalization bids across the globe.
Defense & Military
US Army HADES Prototype ME-11B Completes First Flight
The U.S. Army’s first HADES prototype, a modified Bombardier Global 6500, completed its maiden flight on September 11, 2026.
The U.S. Army’s first High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) prototype completed its maiden flight on September 11, 2026, marking a critical milestone in the service’s transition from legacy turboprops to high-altitude jet intelligence platforms.
In a press release issued on October 30, 2026, the U.S. Army confirmed the flight followed extensive structural modifications by lead systems integrator Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to convert a Bombardier Global 6500 business jet into a military sensor platform. The program aims to provide commanders with deep sensing capabilities to operate effectively in contested environments against advanced anti-access and area denial (A2/AD) threats.
Transitioning to deep sensing capabilities
The maiden flight represents the transition of the HADES program from the structural modification phase into mission system integration and developmental flight testing. Prior to the September 11 flight, engineers and test pilots completed structural modifications, installed mission system hardware, and conducted preliminary baseline airworthiness verification at SNC facilities, likely in Hagerstown, Maryland.
The U.S. Army is actively divesting its legacy turboprop intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) fleet, which includes platforms such as the RC-12X Guardrail and MC-12S EMARSS. These older aircraft are being replaced by high-altitude jets capable of operating further from advanced A2/AD threats. Business jets like the Bombardier Global 6500 offer operational altitudes exceeding 50,000 feet and speeds around Mach 0.9, allowing onboard sensors to achieve greater line-of-sight over the horizon compared to lower-flying turboprops.
Lt. Col. (P) James Hickey, Project Manager for the U.S. Army Fixed Wing Project Office, emphasized the operational necessity of the new platform.
“The first flight of HADES Prototype 1 transitions our vision for deep sensing from concept to reality. Deep sensing is critical to maintaining decision advantage in the future fight. HADES will help commanders see farther, understand faster, and act with greater precision across the multi-domain battlefield.”
Program timeline and fleet development
The HADES platform is a core component of the Army’s broader Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) initiative. The U.S. Army Fixed Wing Project Office, alongside the Project Director Sensors–Aerial Intelligence, manages the procurement and lifecycle of the asset.
Sierra Nevada Corporation was awarded the lead systems integrator contract for the HADES program in August 2024, a deal with a reported ceiling value of $991.3 million. The contract faced a brief suspension due to a protest by competitor L3Harris before proceeding. Bombardier subsequently delivered the first Global 6500 airframe to the U.S. Army in Wichita, Kansas, on November 25, 2024.
The U.S. Army officially designated the militarized Global 6500 as the ME-11B in early 2025. Fleet expansion has continued steadily since the initial delivery. On January 13, 2026, SNC announced the acquisition of a fourth Global 6500, intended to serve as the first non-prototype aircraft in the operational fleet.
Despite the hardware progress, the final acquisition objective for the HADES fleet remains unconfirmed by the U.S. Army. A January 2026 Request for Information outlined a fleet of 11 aircraft with an objective of 14. However, defense media reports from May 2025 indicated the Army might reduce the planned fleet to six aircraft due to budget realignments. The service has not publicly clarified the final fleet size in its recent communications.
Next steps in developmental testing
With the initial flight complete, the Army and SNC will spend late 2026 and 2027 integrating and testing HADES mission systems through a comprehensive developmental flight test program. This phase is designed to validate the aircraft’s multi-domain sensing and signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities.
The developmental testing will determine the effectiveness and operational readiness of the integrated systems ahead of formal operational demonstrations. Hickey noted that the achievement reflects the technical precision of military, civilian, and industry partners working to deliver transformational capabilities to the joint force.
AirPro News analysis
The successful first flight of the HADES prototype underscores a structural shift in military airborne ISR procurement. By selecting commercial business jets over bespoke military airframes or traditional turboprops, the U.S. Army is prioritizing altitude, speed, and payload capacity to counter modern A2/AD networks. This mirrors the U.S. Air Force’s approach with the E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) fleet, which also utilizes a Bombardier Global airframe. The strategy allows the military to leverage billions of dollars in commercial aviation research and development, reducing both unit costs and development timelines.
However, the unresolved questions surrounding the final acquisition objective highlight the ongoing tension between ambitious multi-domain operational requirements and constrained defense budgets. If the fleet is ultimately capped at six aircraft rather than the originally envisioned 14, the Army will need to carefully manage deployment cycles and maintenance schedules to maintain persistent deep sensing coverage in key theaters like the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Europe. A smaller fleet size would place a premium on the reliability and mission capable rates of the ME-11B platform.
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