Third-generation jets to speed up pilot training

A third-generation supersonic trainer aircraft has been introduced to the People's Liberation Army Air Force's flight schools - a move experts said will shorten pilots' training time and prepare them for advanced fighter jets.

PLA Air Force Aviation University deployed an undisclosed number of JL-9 Mountain Eagle two-seater trainer jets this month and has started to use them to train students, PLA Daily reported.

The aircraft has been developed and manufactured by Guizhou Aviation Industry Group, a subsidiary of Aviation Industry Corp of China.