China is preparing the mass production of a third-generation jet fighter training plane and could roll out up to 10 of the JL-9 Mountain Eagles next year, state press reported Tuesday.

The plane would be manufactured by the Guizhou Aviation Industry Group, but it was still unclear if the Chinese airforce had signed contracts to buy the trainer, the China Daily reported.

A model of the aircraft made its maiden flight in December 2003, with reports at that time saying mass production would begin in 2005.

The plane, whose NATO-designation is FTC-2000, is expected to train fighter pilots flying third-generation craft like the Russian Sukhoi Su-27s and Su-30s, the most advanced fighters in China's air force.

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