# Hongdu JL-8

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Chinese/Pakistani jet trainer aircraft

JL-8/K-8 K-8 of the Bangladesh Air Force General information Type Jet trainer Light attack National origin China Pakistan Manufacturer Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Status Operational Primary users PLA Air Force Pakistan Air Force Egyptian Air Force Myanmar Air Force Bangladesh Air Force Number built 735+[1] History Manufactured 1990–2020 Introduction date 21 September 1994 First flight 21 November 1990

The **Hongdu JL-8** (**Nanchang JL-8**), also known as the **Karakorum-8** or **K-8** for short, is a two-seat intermediate jet [trainer](/source/Trainer_aircraft) and light attack aircraft designed by [China Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation](/source/Hongdu) and [Pakistan Aeronautical Complex](/source/Pakistan_Aeronautical_Complex). The primary contractor is the [Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation](/source/Hongdu).

## Development

The JL-8 trainer was proposed as a joint cooperation effort between the governments of [Pakistan](/source/Pakistan) and the People's Republic of China in 1986. The name was changed on the suggestion of Pakistan's President [Zia ul Haq](/source/Muhammad_Zia-ul-Haq) to [Karakoram](/source/Karakoram)-8 to represent the friendship between the two countries. Work on the design started in 1987 at Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Company (NAMC) at Nanchang, Jiangshi Province in South Central China. The Chinese chief designer of the aircraft was [Shi Ping](/source/Shi_Ping_(aircraft_designer)) (石屏), heading a team of over 100 Chinese Engineers, while Air Cdr Muhammad Younas Tbt (M), SI(M) was the chief designer from the Pakistani side leading a team of over 20 Pakistani engineers.

Initially, the aircraft was to have used many parts manufactured in the United States, including the [Garrett TFE731](/source/Garrett_TFE731) engine and several cockpit displays, and communication and avionics systems, but due to political developments and an embargo from the US at the end of the 1980s following the [Tiananmen Square protests of 1989](/source/Tiananmen_Square_protests_of_1989), other suppliers had to be used. The first [prototype](/source/Prototype) was built in 1989, with the first flight taking place on 21 November 1990, piloted by Chief Test Pilot Col Yang Yao (杨耀). Flight testing continued from 1991 to 1993 by a Flight Test Team consisting of four Chinese and two Pakistani pilots.

After four prototypes were built, production of a small batch of 24 aircraft was launched in 1992. The Chinese share out of these was 18, while the [Pakistan Air Force](/source/Pakistan_Air_Force) (PAF) received six K-8s in 1994. In 1995, the PAF decided to order 75 more K-8s to gradually replace its fleet of [Cessna T-37 Tweet](/source/Cessna_T-37_Tweet) basic trainers. In 2010, the number of K-8 aircraft in the PAF inventory was estimated to be around 40. The [People's Liberation Army Air Force](/source/People's_Liberation_Army_Air_Force) (PLAAF) received its first six JL-8 trainers in 1995 following additional upgrades. The Chinese model uses a Chinese-manufactured version of the Ukrainian Ivchenko AI-25 (DV-2) engine, designated WS-11. The PLAAF is anticipated to continue adding the JL-8 trainer to its fleet to replace its obsolete trainers, such as the [Chengdu JJ-5](/source/Shenyang_J-5). In 2008, the number of JL-8s in PLAAF inventory was estimated to be over 120 aircraft.

Other countries have shown interest in the trainer, and it now also serves in the air forces of Egypt, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. While the type primarily serves as a basic and advanced trainer, it can also be used in the [close air support](/source/Close_air_support) or even air combat role when appropriately armed.

The export-variant K-8 Karakorum Basic Common Advanced Jet Trainer is co-produced by [China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation](/source/China_National_Aero-Technology_Import_%26_Export_Corporation) (CATIC) for export markets other than Pakistan, while later aircraft for Pakistan have been built by the Aircraft Manufacturing Factory (AMF), [Pakistan Aeronautical Complex](/source/Pakistan_Aeronautical_Complex). The latest export variant is the K-8P version, which is operated by the PAF. The K-8P has an advanced avionics package of integrated head-up display (HUD), multi-function displays (MFDs) and comes equipped with MFD-integrated GPS and ILS/TACAN systems. It also has [hardpoints](/source/Hardpoint) for carrying a variety of training and operational bombs up to 250 kg, pod-mounted 23 mm cannon, and PL-5 / 7 /AIM-9 P launchers. In September 2011, NAMC produced another 12 K-8Ps for an undisclosed foreign client.[2]

In 2008 Venezuela announced the purchase of 18 K-8 aircraft. The K-8 has been marketed by China to the air forces of the Philippines [*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*], and to Indonesia, as a replacement for Indonesia's [BAE Hawk](/source/BAE_Hawk) jet trainers.[3] In 2009, the Bolivian government approved a deal to purchase 6 K-8P aircraft for use in anti-drug operations.[4] In 2010 the total number of K-8 aircraft produced in all variants was estimated to be more than 500, with a continual production rate of approximately 24 aircraft per year.

## Design

A K-8 of the [Bolivian Air Force](/source/Bolivian_Air_Force).

The JL-8 / K-8 has a [multi-role](/source/Multi-role_aircraft) capability for training and, with little modification, can also be used for airfield defense. The aircraft is supposed to be as cost-effective as possible, with a short turn-around time and low maintenance requirements. The JL-8 for the domestic Chinese market and its export variants, K-8E and K-8P, have different powerplants and avionics.

### Airframe and flight control system

A low-wing [monoplane](/source/Monoplane) design primarily constructed of aluminum alloys, the JL-8 / K-8 [airframe](/source/Airframe) structure is designed for an 8,000 flight hour service life.

The [landing gear](/source/Landing_gear) is of tricycle configuration, with hydraulically operated wheel brakes and nose-wheel steering.

The [flight control system](/source/Flight_control_system) operates a set of conventional [flight control surfaces](/source/Flight_control_surfaces) with a rigid push-rod transmission system, which itself is electrically or hydraulically operated. The [aileron](/source/Aileron) control system, of irreversible servo-control type, is composed of a hydraulic booster, an artificial-feel device, a feel trim actuator and a rigid push-rod transmission mechanism. The [elevator](/source/Elevator_(aircraft)) and [rudder](/source/Rudder) control systems are of reversible push-rod type.

### Cockpit and avionics

The JL-8 / K-8 cockpit arrangement is designed to be as close to that of a [combat aircraft](/source/Combat_aircraft) as possible. A transparent plastic canopy covering both cockpits, which are arranged in a tandem seating position, is supposed to give a good all-round field of view.

A [Rockwell Collins](/source/Rockwell_Collins) [Electronic Flight Instrument System](/source/Electronic_Flight_Instrument_System) (EFIS) is fitted, with [multi-function displays](/source/Multi-function_display) (MFDs) in the front and rear cockpits showing information to the pilots. The emergency cockpit escape system is made up of two [Martin-Baker](/source/Martin-Baker) MK-10L rocket-assisted [ejection seats](/source/Ejection_seat) which are zero-zero capable, meaning they can be used safely at zero altitude and zero speed. Although JL-8 is designed to have limited capability to deliver air-to-ground weapons, the first rocket attack practice was only completed in May 2011.[5]

[Ultra high frequency](/source/Ultra_high_frequency) (UHF) and [very high frequency](/source/Very_high_frequency) (VHF) radio communication systems are present, along with a [Tactical Air Navigation](/source/Tactical_Air_Navigation) (TACAN) and [automatic direction finder](/source/Radio_direction_finder) (ADF). An [instrument landing system](/source/Instrument_landing_system) (ILS) is also available. These systems can be tailored to meet the requirements of the customer.

A strap-on [Environmental control system](/source/Environmental_control_system) (ECS) from [AlliedSignal](/source/AlliedSignal) provides [air conditioning](/source/Air_conditioning) to the cockpit. It is capable of operating when the aircraft is on the ground, under [ambient temperatures](/source/Ambient_temperature) of -40 to +52 °C, as well as in the air.

### Propulsion and fuel system

The JL-8, for the Chinese domestic market, was originally powered by the Ukrainian [Ivchenko-Progress AI-25](/source/Ivchenko-Progress_AI-25)TLK [turbofan](/source/Turbofan) jet engine with 16.9 kN of thrust, but this has been replaced by the WS-11, the Chinese-manufactured version of the AI-25TLK. Export variants (K-8P, K-8E) use the lower-thrust (15.6 kN) [Honeywell TFE731](/source/Honeywell_TFE731)-2A-2A modular turbofan, which has digital electronic engine control (DEEC), provided the US government approves sale of the engine to the customer.

A hydro-mechanical fuel control system delivers fuel to the engine. The aircraft's fuel system consists of the fuel tanks and the fuel supply/transfer, vent/pressurization, fuel quantity measuring/indicating, fuel refueling and fuel drain subsystems. The total fuel is contained in two [fuselage](/source/Fuselage) bladder-type rubber tanks and a wing integral tank of 1720 lb. The capacity of each drop tank is 250 litres.

## Operational history

PLAAF JL-8

The K-8 took part in its first aerial display in 1993 at the Singapore Air Show and since then has participated at Air Shows at numerous places including Dubai, Paris, Farnborough, Bangkok, Zhuhai etc. It was shown to the Pakistani public for the first time on 23 March 1994 at the [Pakistan Day Parade](/source/Pakistan_Day_Parade). It became part of the [Sherdils](/source/Sherdils) (Lion Hearts) aerobatics team of the Pakistan Air Force in 2009 and carried out its first public display on 6 April 2010. K-8 replaced the team's previous T-37 Tweet aircraft.[6][7] In May 25, 2024, the PLAAF [Shijiazhuang Flying College](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shijiazhuang_Flying_College&action=edit&redlink=1) [[zh](https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E4%BA%BA%E6%B0%91%E8%A7%A3%E6%94%BE%E5%86%9B%E7%A9%BA%E5%86%9B%E7%9F%B3%E5%AE%B6%E5%BA%84%E9%A3%9E%E8%A1%8C%E5%AD%A6%E9%99%A2)] finished their last training lessons with the JL-8, ending the Shijiazhuang Flying College's use of the JL-8.[8]

### Myanmar

In late December 2012 and early January 2013, during the [Kachin conflict](/source/Kachin_conflict), K-8s of the [Myanmar Air Force](/source/Myanmar_Air_Force) were used to strike [Kachin Independence Army](/source/Kachin_Independence_Army) positions in the north of the country.[9][10] On 30 June 2023 a K-8 W was destroyed while attacking opposition groups.[11] On 11 November 2023 KNDF and People Defense Forces shot down a K8W at Loikaw, Karenni State with a 0.5 machine gun and it crashed into Than Daung Township in Karen State.

## Accidents and incidents

- 25 May 2015: A [Pakistan Air Force](/source/Pakistan_Air_Force) K-8 crashed while on a training mission near [Swabi](/source/Swabi), [Khyber Pakhtunkhwa](/source/Khyber_Pakhtunkhwa). Both pilots ejected safely.[12]

- 24 March 2021: A [Bolivian Air Force](/source/Bolivian_Air_Force) (FAB) K-8VB with tail number FAB-663 crashed into a house in [Sacaba](/source/Sacaba), Bolivia, killing a woman in her house around 9:30 local time during a training mission. Both crew members survived after ejecting from the aircraft.[13]

- 18 June 2022: A [Venezuelan Air Force](/source/Venezuelan_Air_Force) (Aviación Militar Bolivariana AMB) K-8W with tail number 2702 crashed at [Los Cortijos](/source/San_Francisco_Municipality%2C_Zulia#Government) in the state of [Zulia](/source/Zulia). Both occupants ejected to safety.[14]

- 11 November 2023: A [Myanmar Air Force](/source/Myanmar_Air_Force) jet crashed in [Hpruso Township](/source/Hpruso_Township), [Karenni State](/source/Kayah_State). Both pilots ejected safely. The air force stated the aircraft suffered a technical problem, while an insurgent group, in conflict with the Myanmar junta, reported it had shot down the jet.[15]

- 7 January 2025: A [Pakistan Air Force](/source/Pakistan_Air_Force) K-8P crashed near [Pakistan Air Force Academy](/source/Pakistan_Air_Force_Academy), [Risalpur](/source/Risalpur). The pilot Sqn Ldr Muhammad Ahmed Mian was not able to eject and was killed. The crash was reported to be due to a technical malfunction.[16]

- 6 February 2025: A K-8 of the [Air Force of Zimbabwe](/source/Air_Force_of_Zimbabwe) crashed in the Guinea Fowl area in [Gweru](/source/Gweru). The sole pilot on board died in the accident.[17]

- 21 March 2025: A [Sri Lanka Air Force](/source/Sri_Lanka_Air_Force) K-8 trainer aircraft crashed near Minuwangete in the [Wariyapola](/source/Wariyapola) area. Both pilots ejected safely and were uninjured.[18]

## Variants

Data from: [SinoDefence.com](https://web.archive.org/web/20121028021126/http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/trainer/jl8.asp)

- **K-8**

- Original variant powered by the [Garrett TFE731-2A](/source/Garrett_TFE731) turbofan engine.

Egyptian Air Force K-8E on display at the 2015 Malta International Airshow

- **K-8E**

- K-8 variant developed for export to Egypt in 1999, featuring 33 modifications to the airframe and avionics. Built in Egypt from Chinese-supplied kits, production of 80 Egyptian-built Chinese kits was completed in 2005, with license production of an additional 40 K-8Es undertaken thereafter.

Pakistan Air Force K-8P

- **K-8P**

- Pakistan-specific variant with new avionics, [glass cockpit](/source/Glass_cockpit) and [Martin-Baker](/source/Martin-Baker) Zero-Zero [ejection seats](/source/Ejection_seat).

- **K-8V**

- An 'integrated flight test simulation aircraft' (IFTSA), equipped with an advanced flight control computer and analogue [fly-by-wire (FBW)](/source/Fly-by-wire) system which can mimic the aerodynamic characteristics and flight profile of other aircraft. Used primarily to test aircraft designs before prototypes are built and tested.

- **JL-8**

- PLAAF-specific variant powered by the [Ivchenko AI-25 TLK](/source/Ivchenko-Progress_AI-25) turbofan and featuring Chinese avionics suite. First flew in December 1994, 6 aircraft delivered to PLAAF in June 1998.

- **L-11**

- Variant of JL-8 powered by the WS-11 turbofan (Ivchenko AI-25 TLK produced under license in China). Approximately 100 aircraft delivered to PLAAF.

- **JL-8W (K-8W)**

- Variant of the JL-8 with improved cockpit and HUD. Delivered to Venezuela's Bolivarian Military Aviation 13 March 2010, with no U.S.-controlled parts. Total order 18 aircraft (+ 40 announced). 16 delivered to [Bangladesh Air Force](/source/Bangladesh_Air_Force), one crashed in 2018.

- **JL-8VB (K-8VB)**

- Variant similar to JL-8W; for export to Bolivian Air Force, with no U.S.-controlled parts. Total order 6 aircraft (+ 12 announced).

- **K-8NG (Next Generation)**

- Recently at the 2021 Dubai Air Show, a modernization of the K-8 Karakorum training platform called K-8NG was presented.[19] K-8NG is a multi-role jet trainer with basic/advanced training, air-to-ground precision strike, and reconnaissance capabilities.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Operators

Main operating countries of the Chinese K-8 *"Karakorum"* aircraft in the world.

Two [PLA Air Force](/source/People's_Liberation_Army_Air_Force) JL-8s from the [Red Falcon](/source/List_of_air_display_teams) display team taking off at Changchun Airshow, China

[20]

### Current

**[Angola](/source/Angola)**

- [National Air Force of Angola](/source/National_Air_Force_of_Angola)[21]

**[Bangladesh](/source/Bangladesh)**

- [Bangladesh Air Force](/source/Bangladesh_Air_Force)[21]

**[Bolivia](/source/Bolivia)**

- [Bolivian Air Force](/source/Bolivian_Air_Force)[21]

**[China](/source/China)**

- [People's Liberation Army Air Force](/source/People's_Liberation_Army_Air_Force)[21] - 350[22] - [Shijiazhuang Flying College](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shijiazhuang_Flying_College&action=edit&redlink=1) [[zh](https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E4%BA%BA%E6%B0%91%E8%A7%A3%E6%94%BE%E5%86%9B%E7%A9%BA%E5%86%9B%E7%9F%B3%E5%AE%B6%E5%BA%84%E9%A3%9E%E8%A1%8C%E5%AD%A6%E9%99%A2)] - Retired in 2024[8]

- [People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force](/source/People's_Liberation_Army_Naval_Air_Force) - 16[23]

**[Egypt](/source/Egypt)**

- [Egyptian Air Force](/source/Egyptian_Air_Force)[21]

**[Ghana](/source/Ghana)**

- [Ghana Air Force](/source/Ghana_Air_Force)[21]

A K-8 of the [Bolivian Air Force](/source/Bolivian_Air_Force).

**[Laos](/source/Laos)**

- [Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force](/source/Lao_People's_Liberation_Army_Air_Force) - 4 k-8

**[Myanmar](/source/Myanmar)**

- [Myanmar Air Force](/source/Myanmar_Air_Force)[21]

**[Namibia](/source/Namibia)**

- [Namibian Air Force](/source/Namibian_Air_Force)[21]

**[Pakistan](/source/Pakistan)**

- [Pakistan Air Force](/source/Pakistan_Air_Force)[21]

**[Sri Lanka](/source/Sri_Lanka)**

- [Sri Lanka Air Force](/source/Sri_Lanka_Air_Force)[21]

**[Sudan](/source/Sudan)**

- [Sudanese Air Force](/source/Sudanese_Air_Force)[21]

**[Venezuela](/source/Venezuela)**

- [Venezuelan Air Force](/source/Venezuelan_Air_Force)[21]

**[Zambia](/source/Zambia)**

- [Zambian Air Force](/source/Zambian_Air_Force)[21]

**[Zimbabwe](/source/Zimbabwe)**

- [Air Force of Zimbabwe](/source/Air_Force_of_Zimbabwe)[21]

## Specifications (K-8)

*Data from* Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra - Karakoram-8 (K-8) Aircraft,[24] Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide[25][26]

**General characteristics**

- **Crew:** 2

- **Length:** 11.6 m (38 ft 1 in)

- **Wingspan:** 9.63 m (31 ft 7 in)

- **Height:** 4.1 m (13 ft 5 in)

- **Empty weight:** 2,687 kg (5,924 lb)

- **Max takeoff weight:** 4,330 kg (9,546 lb)

- **Powerplant:** 1 × [Ivchenko AI-25TLK](/source/Ivchenko_AI-25) [turbofan](/source/Turbofan) engine, 16.9 kN (3,800 lbf) thrust

**Performance**

- **Maximum speed:** 800 km/h (500 mph, 430 kn)

- **Maximum speed:** Mach 0.75

- **Range:** 2,250 km (1,400 mi, 1,210 nmi)

- **Service ceiling:** 13,000 m (43,000 ft)

- **g limits:** +7.33 -3.0

- **Wing loading:** 254.40 kg/m2 (52.11 lb/sq ft)

**Armament**

- **Guns:** 1× 23 mm cannon pod (mounted on centreline hardpoint)

- **Hardpoints:** Up to 5 hardpoints (varies on variants), total capacity 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) external fuel and ordnance: - 4× under-wing, capacity 250 kg each - 1× under-fuselage (23 mm cannon pod mount)

- **Rockets:** 57 mm unguided rocket pods, capacity 24 rounds (2 x pods with 12 rounds each)

- **Air-to-air missiles:** [PL-5](/source/PL-5), [PL-7](/source/PL-7)

- **Air-to-ground missiles:** [TL-10](/source/TL-10), [TL-20](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=TL-20&action=edit&redlink=1), [YJ-9E (Anti ship)](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=YJ-9E_(Anti_ship)&action=edit&redlink=1). NG Version only.

- **Bombs:** 200 kg, 250 kg [unguided bomb](/source/Gravity_bomb). 50 kg, 100 kg [Laser guided bomb](/source/Laser_guided_bomb). NG Version only.

- **Others:** - 2× 80 US gal (300 L) fuel [drop-tanks](/source/Drop-tank) mounted on outboard under-wing hardpoints

**Avionics**

- [EFIS](/source/EFIS)

- Targeting POD for laser guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles. NG Version only.

- Passive Jamming POD. NG Version only.

## See also

- [Trainer (aircraft)](/source/Trainer_(aircraft))

- [Jet trainer](/source/Jet_trainer)

**Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era**

- [Aero L-39 Albatros](/source/Aero_L-39_Albatros) / [Aero L-159 Alca](/source/Aero_L-159_Alca) / [Aero L-39NG](/source/Aero_L-39NG)

- [BAE Hawk](/source/BAE_Hawk)

- [HAL HJT-36 Yashas](/source/HAL_HJT-36_Yashas)

- [CASA C-101 Aviojet](/source/CASA_C-101_Aviojet)

- [Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet](/source/Dassault%2FDornier_Alpha_Jet)

- [G-4 Super Galeb](/source/G-4_Super_Galeb)

- [IAR 99](/source/IAR_99)

- [PZL I-22 Iryda](/source/PZL_I-22_Iryda)

- [Aermacchi MB-339](/source/Aermacchi_MB-339)

- [Mitsubishi T-2](/source/Mitsubishi_T-2)

- [MiG-AT](/source/MiG-AT)

- [Yak-130](/source/Yak-130)

- [AIDC AT-3](/source/AIDC_AT-3)

## References

**Notes**

1. **[^](#cite_ref-autogenerated1_1-0)** [K-8 (JL-8, L-11) Basic Jet Trainer - SinoDefence.com](http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/trainer/jl8.asp) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121028021126/http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/trainer/jl8.asp) 28 October 2012 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-AirForceWorld.com_K8P_trainer_jet_2-0)** ["K-8P trainer jet exportation"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110303184532/http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/k-8-jl-11-trainer-china.htm). *AirForceWorld.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/k-8-jl-11-trainer-china.htm) on 3 March 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ANGKASA No.07 Edisi April 2007 (page 14-15)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [DAWN.com | Bolivia buys six Pakistan-made aircraft](http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/bolivia-buys-six-pakistan-made-aircraft-05-sal-01) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100329113615/http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/bolivia-buys-six-pakistan-made-aircraft-05-sal-01) 29 March 2010 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-AirForceWorld.com_JL8_rocket_launch_5-0)** ["AirForceWorld.com JL8 Trainer Jet rocket practice"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110209004512/http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/english/k-8-JL-8-JL-11-trainer-china-pakistan.html). *AirForceWorld.com*. Archived from [the original](http://airforceworld.com/pla/english/k-8-JL-8-JL-11-trainer-china-pakistan.html) on 9 February 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["PAF's High Mark exercise enters second phase"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110614061238/http://pakistantimes.net/pt/detail.php?newsId=10060). *Pakistan Times*. PAF Bombing Range, Thal, Pakistan. 7 April 2010. Archived from the original on 14 June 2011. Retrieved 7 April 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["PAF's firepower demo marks precise hit at enemy targets"](http://www.onepakistan.com/news/feed/top-stories/39539-PAFs-firepower-demo-marks-precise-hit-enemy-targets.txt). Thal, Pakistan: OnePakistan.com. 7 April 2010. Retrieved 7 April 2010. [*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_8-1) Lin, Congyi, ed. (25 May 2024). ["Last batch of pilot cadets trained with JL-8 wind up training sessions"](http://eng.mod.gov.cn/xb/News_213114/Videos/16311192.html). *Ministry of National Defense*. Retrieved 25 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Myanmar jets used against Kachin rebels (raw footage)"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noHKKbV_jpk). *YouTube*. 3 January 2013. [Archived](https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/noHKKbV_jpk) from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 4 February 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Bertil Lintner. ["Myanmar airstrikes reopen ethnic wounds"](http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/01/20131108109573277.html). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150215063538/http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/01/20131108109573277.html) from the original on 15 February 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Irrawaddy_11-0)** ["Two Myanmar Junta Pilots Killed When Kayah Resistance Shot Down Fighter Jet"](https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/two-myanmar-junta-pilots-killed-when-kayah-resistance-shot-down-fighter-jet.html). *The Irrawaddy*. 29 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["PAF trainer jet crashes in Swabi, two pilots injured"](https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/280966-PAF-trainer-jet-crashes-in-Swabi-two-pilots-injur). *Dunya News*. 14 February 2008. Retrieved 25 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Así sería la Aeronave que cayó en Sacaba"](https://www.lostiempos.com/actualidad/cochabamba/20210324/asi-seria-aeronave-que-cayo-sacaba/). *Los Tiempos*. 24 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Incident Hongdu K-8W, 18 Jun 2022"](https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/279339).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Incident Hongdu K-8W, 11 November 2023"](https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/347782).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Training aircraft crashes near Risalpur"](https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1269879-training-aircraft-crashes-near-risalpur). *The News International*. 8 January 2025. Retrieved 11 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Air Force of Zimbabwe pilot killed on training flight near Gweru"](https://www.thezimbabwean.co/2025/02/air-force-of-zimbabwe-pilot-killed-on-training-flight-near-gweru/). *www.thezimbabwean.co*. Retrieved 5 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-AD-21M_18-0)** ["SLAF training aircraft crashes in Wariyapola"](https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=106731). *www.adaderana.lk*. 21 March 2025. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250321072748/https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=106731) from the original on 21 March 2025. Retrieved 21 March 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Chinese Manufacturer Lifts DARPA Concept for New Fighter | Aviation Week Network"](https://aviationweek.com/shownews/dubai-airshow/chinese-manufacturer-lifts-darpa-concept-new-fighter).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Air Force skills enthrall fans in Changchun"](https://www.chinadailyhk.com/hk/article/342882). *China Daily*.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-World_Air_Forces_2022_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-World_Air_Forces_2022_21-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-World_Air_Forces_2022_21-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-World_Air_Forces_2022_21-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-World_Air_Forces_2022_21-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-World_Air_Forces_2022_21-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-World_Air_Forces_2022_21-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-World_Air_Forces_2022_21-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-World_Air_Forces_2022_21-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-World_Air_Forces_2022_21-9) [***k***](#cite_ref-World_Air_Forces_2022_21-10) [***l***](#cite_ref-World_Air_Forces_2022_21-11) [***m***](#cite_ref-World_Air_Forces_2022_21-12) [***n***](#cite_ref-World_Air_Forces_2022_21-13) ["World Air Forces 2022"](https://www.flightglobal.com/flight-international/how-afghanistans-fall-reshaped-world-air-forces-inventory/146576.article). Flightglobal Insight. 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** *The Military Balance 2021*. International Institute for Strategic Studies. p. 255.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** *The Military Balance 2021*. International Institute for Strategic Studies. p. 254.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-PACK-8_24-0)** ["Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra - Karakoram-8 (K-8) Aircraft"](https://www.pac.org.pk/k-8). *www.pac.org.pk*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190426092731/https://www.pac.org.pk/k-8) from the original on 26 April 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Jane'sARG_25-0)** Gething, Gunter Endres, Michael J.; Endres, Gunter (4 September 2007). *Jane's aircraft recognition guide* (5th ed.). Collins. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0061346194](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0061346194).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["K-8 Karakorum Light Attack and Jet Trainer Aircraft"](https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/hongdu-k8/). *Air Force Technology*.

**Bibliography**

- [International Institute for Strategic Studies](/source/International_Institute_for_Strategic_Studies) (2010). Hacket, James (ed.). *The Military Balance 2010*. Oxfordshire: Routledge. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-85743-557-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-85743-557-3).

- Donald, David; Lake, Jon (2000). *Encyclopedia of world military aircraft*. NY: Barnes & Noble. pp. 391–392. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-7607-2208-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7607-2208-0).

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [K-8 Karakorum](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:K-8_Karakorum).

- [K-8 on Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) website](http://www.pac.org.pk/k-8)

- [K-8 Karakorum at FAS.org](http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/k-8.htm)

- [K-8 Karakorum at PAF Falcons](https://web.archive.org/web/20130123101341/http://www.paffalcons.com/gallery/k8/index.php)

- [K-8 Karakorum at Aerospaceweb.org](http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/attack/k8/)

- [JL-8 at Chinese Defence Today](https://web.archive.org/web/20121028021126/http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/trainer/jl8.asp)

- [Karakorum-8 at PakistaniDefence.com](https://web.archive.org/web/20070607231534/http://www.pakistanidefence.com/DefenceProduction/PAC/K8_Manufacturing.htm)

- [JL-8 Trainer photos and intro, AirForceWorld.com(Simplified Chinese)](https://web.archive.org/web/20110303184532/http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/k-8-jl-11-trainer-china.htm)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Hongdu JL-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hongdu_JL-8) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hongdu_JL-8?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.