Guizhou JL-9


The Guizhou JL-9, also known as the FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle, is a family of two-seat transonic advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft developed by the Guizhou [Aircraft Industry Corporation|Guizhou Aviation Industry Import/Export Company] for the People's [Liberation Army Air Force] and the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force.

Development

The FTC-2000 started as a GAIEC private venture to develop an inexpensive trainer for fourth generation aircraft. The trainer was revealed at the 2001 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition. The aircraft are reported to be produced at a GAIC assembly line in Anshun, Guizhou.
The FTC-2000, as the JL-9, competed with the Hongdu JL-10 to meet the advanced trainer requirements of the PLAAF and PLANAF. The JL-10 is more technologically advanced, but also more expensive, than the JL-9. In 2013, both had entered production.
A carrier-landing trainer variant was revealed by Chinese state media in 2011. Designated the JL-9G, it has strengthened undercarriage, enlarged wing and diverterless supersonic inlets, but has proved to be unsuitable for arrested landings and is limited to land-based operations.
On 5 September 2018, Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that GAIC had begun mass production of the FTC-2000G variant. On 28 September, it was reported that the first mass-produced FTC-2000G performed its maiden flight. In April 2020, China reported that an unnamed South-East Asian country had placed an order for the FTC-2000G, with deliveries expected between 2021 and 2023. Later it was confirmed that Myanmar had ordered those jets.

Design

The FTC-2000 is developed from the JJ-7/FT-7, the two seat trainer version of the Chengdu J-7; the Chengdu J-7 is a Chinese variant of the MiG-21. The FTC-2000 uses a new wing, a forward fuselage with side air intakes, and a glass cockpit; the engine, empennage, and mechanical controls of the JJ-7/FT-7 are retained.

Operational history

In 2014, the PLANAF had equipped a regiment with JL-9s. However, it was not until 18 October 2015 that the PLAAF started using the JL-9 for training purposes.
In April 2023, the Rapid Support Forces of Sudan launched an attack on Merowe Air Base, destroying one Sudanese FTC-2000 while capturing the base. Satellite imagery has revealed that three more FTC-2000s were present at the base at the time.
On 16 January 2024 a Myanmar Air Force FTC-2000G was shot down by a Kachin Independence Army FN-6 missile in Shan State. Both pilots were killed. On 10 June 2025 a Myanmar Air Force FTC-2000G was reported as lost due to rebel action in the Sagaing region.
In July 2025, according to local Burmese sources, the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force claimed to have shot down a Myanmar military FTC-2000G fighter jet during clashes in Hpasawng town, Karenni State. The jet had gone missing two days earlier while providing air support to junta forces, and wreckage was later reported near a village close to the Bago Region border.

Variants