- BlackSky released a satellite image on November 19 showing UAE’s Al Fursan team flying Chinese-made L-15 jets at the Dubai Airshow 2025.
- The UAE aerobatic team replaced its Aermacchi MB-339s with L-15s after over 15 years of service.
BlackSky, a U.S.-based space intelligence company headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, released a detailed satellite image on November 19 showing the United Arab Emirates’ Al Fursan aerobatic team flying their newly acquired Chinese-built L-15 aircraft during the 2025 Dubai Airshow.
The image, captured by one of BlackSky’s real-time Earth observation satellites, shows multiple L-15 trainers in flight formation.
“$BKSY captured a stunning shot of L-15s in action at Dubai Airshow and our AI-powered analytics detected the aircraft. This is real-time, space-based intelligence at work,” the company wrote in a post on X.
Al Fursan, the national aerobatic team of the United Arab Emirates, appeared at the 2025 airshow for the first time with the Hongdu L-15 aircraft, replacing their long-serving Aermacchi MB-339 jets. The switch ends more than 15 years of flying the Italian-made aircraft since the team’s establishment in 2010.
The Chinese-made L-15s were presented in an updated version of Al Fursan’s trademark black-and-gold color scheme. Footage shows the aircraft executing high-speed aerobatic maneuvers before packed showgrounds at Dubai World Central.
The UAE announced its decision to acquire the L-15 aircraft during a period of stalled negotiations with the U.S. over the proposed purchase of the Lockheed Martin F-35. That deal was delayed amid security concerns and technology transfer restrictions raised by Washington.
According to the Tawazun Economic Council, the UAE’s defense procurement authority, the decision to purchase the L-15 was based on strategic diversification of supply. In a previous statement, officials said: “Diversifying suppliers allows the UAE to obtain the best capabilities that meet its operational needs and align with its long-term national goals.”
Manufactured by China’s Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, the L-15 is a supersonic lead-in fighter trainer equipped with modern avionics and light attack capabilities. The aircraft is marketed for both training and combat support roles, particularly in fast jet transition programs.
BlackSky’s release underscores the growing use of commercial satellite imagery and AI-powered analytics to monitor military and defense developments around the world. The company specializes in real-time geospatial intelligence for defense, aerospace, and government clients. Its sensors can deliver visual updates on global hotspots and high-profile defense events within hours.