In News:

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, a fully intact Chinese-made PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile has reportedly been recovered in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. The incident has sparked security and strategic concerns, given the missile's advanced capabilities and origin.

Overview of the PL-15 Missile

Also known as the "Thunderbolt-15," the PL-15 is a cutting-edge beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by China’s 607 Institute and produced by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). It is specifically designed to engage enemy aircraft at extended distances, far beyond the visual range of the launching platform.

Key Features:

• Propulsion and Speed:The missile is powered by a dual-pulse solid-propellant rocket motor, enabling it to reach speeds of over Mach 5.
• Range Capabilities:The domestic Chinese version has an estimated operational range of 200 to 300 km. The export version, the PL-15E, is officially rated for a maximum range of 145 km, though in practice this may be limited to 100–120 km depending on the launch conditions and platform.
• Warhead:It carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing between 20 and 25 kg, engineered to effectively neutralize maneuvering aerial targets.
• Guidance System:The PL-15 is equipped with an advanced guidance package that includes:
  • Inertial navigation
  • Beidou satellite updates
  • Two-way datalink for real-time mid-course adjustments
  • Terminal active radar homing with an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar seeker