On Friday, the Pakistan Air Force confirmed that it had used Chinese-made PL-15 missiles in an intense air conflict with India that took place on Wednesday night.
This marked a significant increase in the region’s aerial combat capabilities. The Pakistan Air Force’s admission confirmed that the missile debris found on Indian soil was likely from a PL-15 missile, providing clear proof of its use in the attack.
What is the PL-15 Missile?
The PL-15, also known as “Thunderbolt-15,” is a modern air-to-air missile made by China. This type of missile is designed to be fired from fighter jets and can hit enemy aircraft from very long distances—even before the pilot can see them with their eyes. That’s why it is called a “Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM).”
Who Made PL-15 Missile?
The PL-15 was developed by China’s 607 Institute and manufactured by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). It is part of China’s effort to build advanced weapons to stay ahead in aerial warfare.
What Does PL-15 Missile Do?
The main purpose of the PL-15 is to help Chinese and friendly air forces (like Pakistan’s) gain air superiority. This means having the upper hand in the skies during combat by shooting down enemy planes before they get too close.
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How Fast and How Far Can PL-15 Missile Go?
The missile uses a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, which means it has two stages of power that help it travel very fast and very far. It can fly at speeds faster than Mach 5, which is over 6,100 kilometers per hour!
- The version used by China can travel between 200 to 300 kilometers.
- The version exported to Pakistan, called the PL-15E, has a maximum range of 145 kilometers.
- However, in real battle conditions, the range might be a bit less, around 100 to 120 kilometers, depending on how and where it is launched.
What Kind of Damage Can PL-15 Missile Do?
The PL-15 carries a powerful high-explosive fragmentation warhead that weighs between 20 to 25 kilograms. This type of warhead is designed to break into sharp pieces upon impact, making it highly effective in destroying fast-moving enemy jets.
Why is the PL-15 Important?
The PL-15 is considered a game-changer in modern aerial combat because:
- It allows a fighter jet to engage enemies from a safe distance.
- It makes it harder for enemy aircraft to escape once the missile is launched.
- It helps countries like China and Pakistan match or counter the air power of countries like India or the United States.
Guidance System and Resistance to Countermeasures
The PL-15 missile is equipped with a highly advanced guidance system to accurately hit its targets, even in tough conditions. It combines several technologies to stay on course:
- Inertial navigation system: Helps guide the missile based on its internal sensors.
- Beidou satellite updates: Uses China’s version of GPS to update its location mid-flight.
- Two-way datalink: Allows the missile to receive real-time corrections from the launching aircraft.
- Terminal active radar seeker with AESA technology: In the final phase of flight, the missile uses a powerful radar system to lock onto the target and ensure a precise hit.
These features make the PL-15 very accurate and hard to fool using electronic jamming or decoys. It can function well even in “contested environments,” areas filled with enemy defenses or electronic interference.
What Can the PL-15 Target?
The PL-15 can be launched from modern fighter jets like the JF-17 Block III, J-10C, and J-20. It is specially designed to destroy high-value aerial targets such as:
- AWACS aircraft (used for airborne radar and surveillance),
- Refueling tankers,
- And enemy fighter jets, even before they get close enough to launch an attack.
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Proof of Combat Use in India
On Friday, Pakistan officially admitted to using the PL-15 missile in an air conflict with India. This was backed by the recovery of missile parts on Indian soil. In fact, an intact missile was found in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, giving strong evidence of the missile’s real-world use.
This discovery is important because it not only confirms that Pakistan has started using the PL-15 in active combat, but it also gives Indian defense experts a chance to study the missile’s design and capabilities more closely.
