SOURCE: AFI

On May 15, 2025, Chinese bloggers on social media platforms like Weibo and Douyin have reacted to India’s recovery of a near-intact PL-15E missile, which was fired by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets during a recent clash with India. The bloggers assert that the PL-15E, an export variant of China’s advanced PL-15 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), is a significantly downgraded version compared to the one used by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). They argue that the missile falling into India’s hands will not provide New Delhi with any significant strategic advantage in a potential conflict with China.

The PL-15E, integrated with Pakistan’s JF-17 Block III and J-10CE jets, was rendered ineffective by India’s advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems during the clash, with one near-intact missile recovered in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, on May 9, 2025, as reported by idrw.org. Indian defense analysts initially viewed the recovery as an intelligence windfall, potentially offering insights into China’s missile technology. However, Chinese bloggers have dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the export variant lacks the advanced features of the PL-15 used by the PLAAF. “The PL-15E is a watered-down version with reduced range, a less capable seeker, and simplified datalink systems,” one prominent blogger wrote, suggesting that the missile’s core technology remains well-protected.

SOURCE: AFI

In a covert and high-stakes move to challenge India’s growing air defence dominance, Pakistan reportedly attempted to use the CM-400AKG—also known as CKG-400—supersonic anti-ship missile against Indian strategic air defence assets, including the formidable S-400 Triumf system. Developed by China and marketed as a “carrier killer,” the CM-400AKG is known for its high speed and difficult-to-intercept flight profile. However, the Pakistani gambit ended in failure, highlighting both the limitations of Chinese missile technology and the robustness of India’s integrated air defence network.

The CM-400AKG, developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), was supplied to Pakistan as part of the broader China-Pakistan defence cooperation. Capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 5 and boasting a range of approximately 240–250 km, the missile is launched from platforms such as the JF-17 Thunder multirole fighter.

SOURCE: AFI

On May 13, 2025, aviation enthusiasts and defense analysts were treated to an impressive sight as the Tejas Mk1A, India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), was observed in flight sporting an air-to-air (A2A) configuration. The aircraft, a prototype of the advanced Mk1A variant, was equipped with a formidable payload: two Astra Mk-1 missiles and two ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile) systems. This development marks a significant milestone in the Tejas program, showcasing its evolving capabilities as a multi-role fighter in the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The Tejas Mk1A, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is an upgraded version of the original Tejas Mk1, featuring enhanced avionics, improved maintainability, and an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. The aircraft is designed to bridge the gap between legacy fighters like the MiG-21 and more advanced platforms in the IAF’s fleet, offering a lightweight, agile solution for both air defense and ground attack roles.

SOURCE: AFI

On May 3, 2025, Pakistan conducted a training launch of its Abdali Weapon System, a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a reported range of 450 kilometers, as part of Exercise INDUS. This test, amid heightened tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack, has drawn significant attention. Leveraging insights from the X post by @DfIlite , this article examines the missile’s visual characteristics, specifically the pixel count ratio, to compare the recently tested Abdali missile with its older known version. Additionally, we address reported modifications, such as the absence of fins, and the symbolic use of “Abdali caps” by Pakistan’s Strategic Plans Division (SPD) personnel.

According to @DfIlite ’s analysis, a pixel count ratio comparison was performed between images of the Abdali missile tested on May 3, 2025, and its older, previously documented version. The pixel count ratio—a method often used to assess proportional consistency in missile design through imagery—yielded identical results for both versions. This suggests that the core structural dimensions of the missile, such as its length-to-diameter ratio, remain unchanged. The consistency in pixel count ratio indicates that the tested missile is not a fundamentally new design but rather a variant of the existing Abdali (Hatf-II) system.

SOURCE: AFI

In a landmark achievement for India’s defense sector, Bengaluru-based Valdel Advanced Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (VATPL), in collaboration with the Indian Navy and supported by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Technology Development Fund (TDF), has successfully developed the country’s first A60-certified naval door. This watertight, gas-tight, and fire-class compliant door marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in aerospace and naval technology, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for critical defense components.

The A60-certified naval door, designed for Indian Naval vessels, is a testament to India’s growing prowess in advanced defense manufacturing. Unlike conventional doors, these specialized doors are engineered to withstand extreme conditions at sea, ensuring crew safety and vessel integrity by maintaining watertight and gas-tight seals while meeting stringent A60 fire-resistance standards. Previously, such critical components were imported, posing challenges in terms of cost, supply chain vulnerabilities, and strategic autonomy. Valdel’s innovation, developed under the DRDO’s TDF initiative, addresses these issues by delivering a fully indigenous solution tailored to the Indian Navy’s needs.