K-8A Karakorum aircraft spotted in Angola Air Force markings

Recently, a photograph was published online showing a new Hongdu JL-8 (Nanchang JL-8), also known as the K-8 Karakorum in full National Air Force of Angola livery and Roundel.The photograph showed Luo Ronghuai, president of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), inspecting a Hongdu facility.

The image uptained from Huitong shows the ‘hammer and sickle’ Roundel of the National Air Force of Angola on the rudder of the K8A Karakorum. It appears that the National Air Force of Angola might have placed orders for the K-8A Karakorum in 2018.

The K-8 Karakorum is a two-seat intermediate jet trainer and a light attack aircraft designed in the People’s Republic of China by China Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation. Its export variant, K-8 Karakorum is co-produced by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex the makers of the Mushshak basic trainer with Pakistan providing 25% of the funding. It has max TO weight of 4,468kg, max level speed 800km/h, max climb rate 30m/s, max range 2,140km and ceiling 13,600m.

The Angolan military is in the process of completely overhauling its capability. introducing more modern weapons systems. In February, According to a document signed by the President of Angola João Lawrence a month ago, Angola plans to buy Belarussian air defense systems worth USD $200 million.

Angola is also expecting delivery of three Airbus C295 MPA /Transport aircraft from Airbus. The new aircraft would be used by both the Navy and the Air Force to patrol the country’s maritime domain and Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ).

This coming on the heels of the delivery of several former Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30K Flankers.