UAE to order 12 L-15 planes from China as it diversify suppliers
UAE air force operates mainly American-made F-16 and French-made Mirage fighters
A replica of a Chinese Jian-10 fighter jet is seen outside the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) headquarters building in Beijing October 30, 2012. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
The United Arab Emirates plans to order 12 L-15 light attack planes from China, with the option of purchasing 36 more, the UAE state news agency WAM reported on Wednesday.
The purchase is part of the oil-rich Gulf state's efforts to diversify weapon suppliers, it said, citing a defence ministry statement.
Read more: US says it is ready to move forward with fighter jet sale to UAE
The UAE air force operates mainly American-made F-16 and French-made Mirage fighters. It ordered Rafale jets from France last year.