In a recent military clash, Pakistan and India nearly went to war, with Pakistan shooting down Indian Rafale fighter jets—marking the first combat use of China’s PL-15 missiles. Unlike previous conflicts, Pakistan did not use any US-supplied weapons, highlighting a clear shift in both regional power balance and global military alignment.
Experts believe the Chinese-supplied PL-15 air-to-air missile gave Pakistan an edge. Images from the scene show missile parts with serial numbers and a seeker head using AESA radar. Built by AVIC, the PL-15 can strike targets over 200 km away. Its export version, the PL-15E—used by Pakistan’s JF-17 Block III and J-10CE jets—has a 145 km range. Around 70 Pakistani aircraft can deploy it.
Read more: China Rushes PL-15 Missile to Pakistan Amid Rising India Tensions: Hint at Escalation?
The missile includes inertial navigation, Beidou satellite guidance, a two-way datalink, and AESA radar terminal homing. It travels at speeds over Mach 5 and carries a 20–25 kg high-explosive warhead. Some reports claim the missiles came directly from China’s People’s Liberation Army, though this remains unconfirmed.
Strategic and Global Impact
India fields Rafales with Meteor missiles, Su-30MKIs with R-77s, and S-400 defence systems. However, the PL-15’s longer range allows Pakistani fighters to strike from beyond India’s engagement range. Pakistan confirmed using J-10C fighters to down Indian jets but did not disclose the munitions. Two U.S. officials told Reuters that a Chinese-built Pakistani jet shot down at least two Indian aircraft. A French intelligence source also told CNN that one Rafale had been downed. Neither Pakistan nor China has commented publicly on the missile’s use.
China is now using the event to promote the PL-15E’s export value. While the French Meteor is favoured for its no-escape zone and ramjet propulsion, the PL-15’s range and first-strike capability offer a clear operational edge.
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