Fursan Al Emarat set to return to Italy with new Hongdu L-15 jet

Fursan Al Emarat, or "The Knights of the Emirates," the aerobatic demonstration team of the
United Arab Emirates.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) national aerobatic team will fly to Italy next week to perform at the Jesolo Air Show 2026, taking place on September 12 (rehearsals the day before). The team will perform with its new aircraft, the twin-engine Hongdu L-15, and with a completely new display.

This makes Fursan Al Emarat's participation one of the most exciting international confirmations for Jesolo this year. Fursan Al Emarat's last appearance at the Jesolo Air Show dates back to 2012, when the team brought its iconic Aermacchi MB-339NATs to Italy. That participation was already a major event, as it was the team's first visit to Italy and its first to Europe.

The team unveiled its new Hongdu L-15 aircraft at the Dubai Air Show 2025, marking the public debut of the UAE aerobatic team's new jets in the black and gold livery. This is the team's second visit to Europe this year, following its participation at the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK in July.

The L-15 replaced the Aermacchi MB-339NAT, a well-known aerobatic aircraft also in service with the Frecce Tricolori. This change has captured the interest of many aviation enthusiasts. Compared to the previous aircraft, the L-15 has changed the character of the displays. It is a modern and powerful trainer, rarely seen in Europe, and seeing it in the seven-ship display of the Emirates Aerobatic Team is a unique spectacle.

Fursan Al Emarat, also known as Al Fursan, is the national aerobatic team of the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2008, the team made its debut at the Dubai Airshow in 2011. Its formation of seven aircraft represents the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, while the black and gold colors have made the team one of the most recognizable in the Gulf region.

Written by Matteo Sanzani

Images: Fursan Al Emarat