As China's traditional friendly country in Africa, Zambia trusts China in national defense: it once introduced the Chinese Army Instructor Corps into its country and purchased Chinese Jian-6 fighter jets (although Zambia burned the contract, China did not force debts), and after the end of the Cold War, the two countries continued to maintain relatively in-depth economic exchanges (copper, copper, copper)......
Around the turn of the 21st century, the Zambian Air Force's lack of fighter jets became apparent, and he urgently needed to buy new fighter jets to fill the gap: China became its first choice. With the advantage of copper ore exports, Zambia once took a fancy to China's domestic J-10 fighter jets. Between 1999 and 2012, China delivered 16 K-8P trainers and 7 Z-9 helicopters; Don't listen, Zambia still needs multi-role fighters to protect its national security (the crisis in a neighboring country affects its security); After a detailed introduction and understanding of China, Zambia chose the L-15A (PD version)
In 2012, China and Zambia signed a contract for the supply of L-15; From December 28th to 31st, 2015, the Product Service/Training Center of AVIC Aerospace Quality Department carefully organized the Catapult Lifesaving R&D Department, Airdrop Airborne R&D Department, Personal Protection R&D Department, Metrology Physical and Chemical Center, Application Technology Department and other departments, and successfully completed the technical training of 5 Zambian Air Force ground crew trainees, which was highly praised by the Zambian Air Force cadets and the project manager of the AVIC Customer Service Department. In 2016, the L-15 multi-role fighter AFT was deployed in the 15th Flying Squadron under the Lusaka Air Defense Command in the Zambian capital.
The L15A aircraft is a new generation of high-tech aircraft developed by Continental, equipped with two new digital turbofan engines (AI-222K-25 F). The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is 10,500 kg, the maximum level flight speed is 1,200 km / h, the maximum climb rate is 200 m / s, the ceiling is 16,000 meters, the maximum controllable flight angle of attack is greater than 30 degrees, and the maximum range is 2,600 km.
On September 7, 2017, Zambia's Head of State approved the opening of the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) three-story L-15 Simulation Training Center, built by the China Aviation Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC): the center aims to develop pilots' combat skills and confidence in a cost-effective, safe and realistic manner by utilizing highly computerized and technologically advanced L-15 fighter ground attack aircraft;
At that time, President Lungu of Zambia said that the development of aviation infrastructure was one of the priorities highlighted by the government in Vision 2030 and the seventh national development plan. "The government will ensure that the Zambian Air Force has an advanced infrastructure, which is in line with our plan for the modernization process," he said. President Lungu said that through public-private partnerships, the government uses the private sector to support public infrastructure development as an alternative financing channel for the program. An example of this is the Zambian Air Force's Dual Palms public-private partnership project, which includes the construction of social and commercial facilities for base personnel and their families;
Earlier, the commander of the Zambian Air Force, Brigadier General Eric Chimese, thanked the government for its tireless efforts to build a modern air force. Brigadier General Chimese said the opening of the training center was a milestone and opened a new chapter in the flight training of fighter pilots in the Zambian Air Force. "Pilots can now train regularly to improve their aircraft handling skills instead of flying a real aircraft, which reduces the cost of running the Air Force," he said. General Chimese said that the morale of the Zambian Air Force is high and they continue to provide high-quality air power to the country.
In 2018, during his tenure, the general purchased Air Force uniforms from a homegrown company at a high price of $62 million, compared with $14 million from a Kenyan company at the time. In addition, Air Force Commander Chimese even fired several Air Force officials who opposed the deal. For this, he was dismissed from the military by President Lungu......
The Zambian Air Force is not satisfied with the PD version of the L-15: he may ask China for the AESA version of the L15 higher education aircraft. However, after all, the L-15 is the foundation of the training aircraft, and Zambia's neighboring countries are updating their fighters and UAVs, and Zambia's weak air force cannot rely on a few high-level education aircraft to defend national security;
At present, China's J-10 has developed to the 3.5 generation, the J-10A/B has entered the upgrade period, and the Chinese Air Force focuses on the stage of large-scale installation of the J-10C/D: it shows that Zambia's opportunity has come.
If Zambia were to offer to buy J-10 fighter jets, China would likely allow a "resource-for-fighter jet" model or a long-term instalment repayment model, given the friendly relations between China and Zambia, which is dominated by China. Moreover, Zambia can counteract the Western world's repression of China in Africa.