Thread on PL-15 & its export version which will find its way into #PAF’s arsenal

PL-15 is a significant upgrade of PL-12 but with dual pulse rocket motor. Main purpose of PL-15 development was to outrange AIM-120-C/D with better AESA radar guidance & excellent ECCM capability

Bit of backstory:

PAF’s top BVR weapon right now is US AIM-120-C5 which managed to outrange most of #IAF’s inventory in last year’s confrontation. PAF also managed to throw more assets with BVR capability, 12 F-16s A/B MLU armed with AIM-120C5 & 8 JF-17 Blk-2 with SD-10A (PL-12)

Still believe it was a short engagement in which PAF managed to edge out with better execution,tactics & timing of attack. It’d be foolish to believe that we’ll always find ourselves in similar position again. Next engagement might be polar opposite as IAF is modernising rapidly

Being smaller force with 1/7 of IAF’s budget we need to be fully on guard. Make sure whatever we’ve is potent enough otherwise numbers & new acquisitions are beyond us. F-16s MLU plus new Block-52+ with AIM120-C5 are still potent but only 60 (minus ADFs) odd Vipers aren’t enough

Enter JF-17 Block-3 with AESA radar with 4+ generation sensors suit, better self protection jamming/informatised warfare capabilities with main weapon as PL-15E. Initially 50 Block-3 will join PAF fleet with hopefully more to come. This should make PAF a credible defensive force

PL-15 development was into play since AIM120-D came into picture. 607 Institute developed this to increase China’s anti-access/area denial capabilities. Its main aim is to deter hostile forces. So far its been integrated into famous Trio of Dragons J-10C/J-16/J-20 and J-11B

PL-15 has

1. Range of 180-200Kms
2. Dual pulse rocket motor (DPRM)
3. Mini AESA onboard for guidance
4. Two way data link for continuous guidance with possible 3rd party (ground radar/AWAC input)
5. Bigger no escape zone (NEZ) than AMRAAM/D

J-16 #Flanker with PL-15 & IIR PL-10E

PL-15 on paper looks similar to MBDA Meteor but i’d always back European & US tech over Chinese until we see these PL-series AAMs in real battle. MBDA Meteor will be operational with Indian Air force by end of this year. Its the next generation BVRAAM much better than US AIM120-D

PL-15E will further bolster BVR edge of PAF’s JF-17 fleet once fully integrated. Initially Block-III will have latest AAMs but with time Block-II will also start getting new radars & PL-15E. Its much needed especially with no next generation platform in sight.