Aircraft & UAVs

FTC-2000G light combat aircraft

Also known as
  • FTC-2000
  • Shanying

The FTC-2000G is China's export light combat aircraft derived from the JL-9 trainer. China Daily reported its first export order in 2020, and Myanmar later commissioned the type in 2022 and used it for strike operations in the civil war.

Role in Conflicts

Side
State Administration Council and allied forces
Role in conflict
Strike aircraft used for air raids

In the 2021 Myanmar Civil War, the State Administration Council air force used FTC-2000G jets for bombing and airstrike missions over civilian-populated areas.

Myanmar Deal Snapshot

The Myanmar record is unusually concrete for a recent export fighter: reporting ties the aircraft to a named unit price, a reported 12-aircraft package, and a December 2022 commissioning ceremony.

TopicDocumented detailSource
Unit priceAbout US$8.5 million per aircraftThe Irrawaddy FTC-2000G delivery report
Deal valueReported total value of US$231.6 million for the Myanmar package#AIRBUSTED report
First deliverySix aircraft arrived in November 2022The Irrawaddy FTC-2000G delivery report
CommissioningAircraft were commissioned into Myanmar Air Force service on 15 December 2022#AIRBUSTED report
Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
China
Type
Light combat aircraft
Service note
First flew in 2018; export deliveries began in 2022
Designer
Guizhou Aviation Industry Corporation
Designed
Late 2010s
Unit cost
About US$8.5 million per aircraft
Produced
2018-present
Number built
At least 12 delivered to Myanmar under the reported export deal
Developed from
JL-9 trainer aircraft

Specifications

Crew
2
Armament
Seven hardpoints for missiles, rockets, bombs, guided bombs, and pods
Payload
Up to 3 tons of external stores
Maximum speed
About Mach 1.2
Maximum takeoff weight
About 11 tonnes
Range
About 2,400 km
Variants
  • FTC-2000G
  • JL-9
Training Fleet Context

China Daily said the FTC-2000G can work with AVIC's K-8 intermediate jet trainer to form an advanced training system for military pilots.

Compatible itemItem typeCompatibility evidence
K-8 Karakorum trainer aircraft, Jet trainer / light attack aircraft, Aircraft & UAVsK-8 Karakorum trainer aircraftIntermediate jet trainer

China Daily says the FTC-2000G can work with the K-8 to form an advanced training system for military pilots.

Sources: China Daily FTC-2000G order report

Timeline

FTC-2000G light combat aircraft Key Events

  1. Maiden flight in China

    China Daily reported that the FTC-2000G made its maiden flight in September 2018.

    Sources: China Daily FTC-2000G order report

  2. First export order signed

    China Daily said Guizhou Aviation Industry signed its first FTC-2000G export contract with an unnamed Southeast Asian customer in January 2020.

    Sources: China Daily FTC-2000G order report

  3. Myanmar receives the first batch

    The Irrawaddy reported that six FTC-2000G aircraft arrived in Myanmar in November 2022.

    Sources: The Irrawaddy FTC-2000G delivery report

  4. Commissioned into Myanmar service

    Justice For Myanmar's #AIRBUSTED report says junta-controlled media showed FTC-2000G aircraft commissioned at a Myanmar Air Force ceremony on 15 December 2022.

    Sources: #AIRBUSTED report

  5. Shootdown reported in northern Shan State

    #AIRBUSTED says resistance groups downed an FTC-2000G jet involved in an attack over the Namhpatkar area on 16 January 2024.

    Sources: #AIRBUSTED report

  6. VOA reports continued strike use

    VOA reported that FTC-2000G aircraft were playing a key role in deadly airstrikes in Myanmar during 2024.

    Sources: VOA Myanmar FTC-2000G airstrikes report

Media
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Sources