China’s New JL-XX Advanced Jet Trainer Makes First Flight, Signaling Shift in PLAAF Pilot Training

China has conducted the maiden flight of its next-generation advanced jet trainer—tentatively designated JL-XX—marking a significant step in the modernization of its military pilot training ecosystem. Developed by AVIC Hongdu and reportedly powered by a domestic WS-series turbofan engine, the aircraft is expected to serve as a Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LIFT) for future People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) pilots transitioning to fifth-generation platforms such as the J-20 and J-35.

First Flight Details and Aircraft Configuration

The first flight reportedly took place on October 28, 2025 at Hongdu Aviation Industry Group’s facility in Nanchang. Imagery published online shows a sleek twin-seat aircraft with design features reminiscent of fifth-generation fighters—such as canted vertical stabilizers and an overall stealth-influenced profile. The aircraft lacks visible radar cross-section reduction features like internal weapon bays or extensive edge alignment but appears optimized for high-speed maneuvering and sensor integration training.

While official designations remain unconfirmed by Beijing, Chinese defense watchers have labeled the aircraft “JL-XX” or “L15B+”, suggesting it may be an evolution of the existing JL-10/L15 family. However, key differences—including redesigned intakes positioned above the wing roots and revised tail geometry—indicate a substantial redesign rather than an incremental upgrade.

Design Objectives: Bridging the Gap to Fifth-Gen Fighters

The JL-XX appears tailored to fill a critical capability gap in China’s pilot training pipeline. With increasing numbers of fifth-generation fighters entering PLAAF service—including the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter and upcoming carrier-capable Shenyang J-35—the need for an advanced LIFT platform capable of replicating high-performance flight regimes and sensor fusion environments has become urgent.

Current Chinese trainers such as the JL-9 (FTC-2000) and JL-10 (L15) are considered insufficient for replicating fifth-gen cockpit complexity or handling characteristics. The JL-XX likely aims to address this with:

• A high thrust-to-weight ratio enabled by what is believed to be a WS-13 or derivative turbofan engine
• Fly-by-wire flight controls with digital flight management systems
• An open architecture avionics suite potentially compatible with AESA radar simulation and electronic warfare training modules
• A cockpit layout modeled on fifth-gen ergonomics with large-area displays (LADs)

Engine Choice: Indigenous Powerplant Development

One of the most notable aspects of the JL-XX is its reported use of a domestically produced turbofan engine—likely from the WS (Woshan) family developed by Liming Aero Engine Company under AECC. While some sources suggest it could be based on the WS-13 series used in FC-1/JF-17 fighters, others speculate it may be an entirely new low-bypass design optimized for training roles.

If confirmed, this would represent another milestone in China’s long-running effort to reduce reliance on Russian engines such as the RD-93 or AL-series used in older platforms. A reliable indigenous powerplant would also allow greater export flexibility without ITAR restrictions—a key consideration given China’s growing defense export ambitions.

Comparison with Global Peers

The emergence of JL-XX places China into closer alignment with other major air powers that have fielded advanced LIFT platforms tailored for fifth-gen transition:

• KAI T-50 Golden Eagle (South Korea): Supersonic trainer used by ROKAF; also exported widely including to Indonesia and Iraq.
• Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk (USA): Designed specifically for USAF pilots transitioning to F-22/F-35; features modular digital architecture.
• Aermacchi M346 Master (Italy): Used across NATO countries; designed to replicate modern fighter avionics environments.
• Yakovlev Yak-130 (Russia): Subsonic twinjet trainer used by Russian Aerospace Forces; shares similarities with earlier Chinese L15 designs.

The JL‑XX appears more aligned with supersonic-capable trainers like T‑50 or T‑7A rather than subsonic types like M346 or Yak‑130. Its stealth-influenced shaping may also allow limited aggressor role simulation during DACT exercises within PLA units.

Strategic Implications for PLAAF Modernization

The debut of this new jet trainer aligns closely with broader trends in PLAAF modernization:

• Pilot Quality Over Quantity: As China shifts focus from sheer numbers toward quality aircrew capable of operating networked fifth-gen platforms under complex battlefield conditions.
• Synthetic Training Integration: The aircraft is expected to support embedded simulation systems allowing virtual combat scenarios without live ordnance expenditure—a key trend mirrored globally.
• Carrier Aviation Pipeline: With PLANAF preparing for fixed-wing carrier operations using CATOBAR-equipped Type 003 carriers like Fujian, there is demand for navalized versions of advanced trainers—potentially including arrestor gear or reinforced undercarriage options on future variants.
• Sovereign Capability Development: A fully domestic airframe-engine-avionics combination enhances strategic autonomy amid rising geopolitical tensions and export control regimes targeting China’s aerospace sector.

What Comes Next?

No official statement has yet been issued by AVIC or Chinese military authorities regarding production timelines or unit assignments. However, given past patterns observed during L15 development cycles—and considering how quickly China has moved from prototype unveiling to serial production—it is likely that low-rate initial production could begin within two years if testing proceeds smoothly.

If successful, the JL‑XX could become not only a cornerstone of domestic pilot instruction but also a potential export product aimed at nations seeking affordable fifth-gen-aligned training solutions without Western dependencies—a market currently underserved outside NATO suppliers.