JL-9G trainer jet in air combat training

Pilots assigned to a regiment of the Chinese PLA Naval Aviation University get ready for takeoff during an air combat training exercise on August 5, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Jiang Tao and Peng Cheng)

A JL-9G trainer jet attached to a regiment of the Chinese PLA Naval Aviation University taxis on the tarmac prior to an air combat training exercise on August 5, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Jiang Tao and Peng Cheng)

A JL-9G trainer jet attached to a regiment of the Chinese PLA Naval Aviation University taxis on the tarmac prior to an air combat training exercise on August 5, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Jiang Tao and Peng Cheng)

A JL-9G trainer jet attached to a regiment of the Chinese PLA Naval Aviation University speeds up to climb during an air combat training exercise on August 5, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Jiang Tao and Peng Cheng)

A JL-9G trainer jet attached to a regiment of the Chinese PLA Naval Aviation University speeds up to climb during an air combat training exercise on August 5, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Jiang Tao and Peng Cheng)

A JL-9G trainer jet attached to a regiment of the Chinese PLA Naval Aviation University lands on the runway after an air combat training exercise on August 5, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Jiang Tao and Peng Cheng)