What Makes The Chinese Light Attack Hongdu JL-8 So Popular On The Export Market?

China has long had a presence in the fighter jet export market. However, it has mostly occupied the lower market segment and exported cheap fighter jets to developing countries operating on shoestring budgets. The Hongdu JL-8 (also called the Nanchang JL-8, the Karakorum-8, and K-8) is a jet trainer and light attack aircraft built by China (in cooperation with Pakistan). It has been purchased by many air forces around the world (particularly in Africa). Most countries purchasing Chinese fighter jets are developing countries in Africa or South Asia.