K-8 Karakorum

The Hongdu K‑8 Karakorum is a two‑seat, supersonic‑capable trainer aircraft developed jointly by China and Pakistan in the late 1980s. First flown in 1990, it entered service with the PLAAF and the Pakistan Air Force in 1998 and has since been exported to more than a dozen countries. Built by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, the K‑8 combines a low‑wing monoplane layout with a semi‑monocoque aluminum airframe, retractable tricycle landing gear and a tandem cockpit equipped with modern glass displays and ejection seats. Powered by a single turbofan such as the Czech‑manufactured AI‑deE or the indigenous Chinese WS‑13, the aircraft can reach speeds of Mach 0.9, perform basic aerobatics, low‑level strike missions, and provide weapons‑training with a variety of munitions, including bombs, rockets and air‑to‑air missiles. Its robust design, low operating cost and ease of maintenance have made it a popular choice for pilot conversion and lead‑in fighter training. The K‑8’s success helped China establish a credible export market for military trainers, contributing to regional aerospace collaboration and strengthening the air‑crew proficiency of numerous air forces worldwide. In recent years the type has received avionics upgrades, including a flight control system and radar warning receivers, extending its service life into the 2030s.