I'm not sure how much the L-15 costs, but it is probably at least in the same price range as the original Block I JF-17; and hence to expensive.
The L-15 has the perfect engine though.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivchenko-Progress_AI-222
Maybe we should rebuilding the A-5s we have retired, new more modern engines, better armor, and putting a FLIR and a small modest (100-200 T/R modules) AESA for GMTI, SAR, and EW should be the way to go. Something like the IAF Jaguar, but more rugged and Cheaper.
Something build for UAVs or Targeting pods:
https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/products/picosar-1
or something like this pod; but built into the nose
With New Engines and Sensors, and better armor, this little bird could do the Job; sort of how the IAF is keeping its Jaguars and just upgrading the engines and possibly the sensors.
If this planes works out there are more than a 100 PLAAF Air Frames that can also be rebuilt for the PAF or Export, so it might be worth a joint venture with CATIC to consider.