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September 8, 2005
China has sold 80 K-8E jet trainers to Egypt, for $4.4 million each. The price includes the transfer of manufacturing technology, so that the aircraft can be assembled in Egypt. The 4.2 ton K-8 is a joint Chinese-Pakistani design. Some of the parts are made in Pakistan, but the aircraft were assembled in China. It was expected that the Chinese air force would adopt the K-8, but the air force refused, citing the large number of aircraft parts manufactured in a foreign nation (Pakistan). First deliveries of the K-8 were made in 1996 (six each to the Chinese and Pakistani air forces.) Pakistan didn't buy the K-8 either, deciding it would be cheaper to refurb its existing T-37 trainers. China eventually bought 30, and Pakistan 8. Five other nations bought small quantities of the K-8 since then (Morocco 20, Burma 12, Namibia 4, Sri Lanka 9 and Zambia 8). The sale to Egypt is the first substantial one.
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