SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development that could have far-reaching implications for regional air combat capabilities and defense research, sources close to idrw.org have confirmed that India has recovered at least eight pieces of debris from China’s PL-15E Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles following a recent aerial engagement with Pakistan. Among the recovered items is one near-intact PL-15E missile, along with three partially damaged ones and four sets of missile fragments—none of which hit their intended targets during the engagement.
The recovery of a relatively intact PL-15E is particularly noteworthy, as it has been handed over to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for detailed technical analysis. According to defense sources, the missile’s Ku-band active radar seeker, reportedly still functional, and its dual-pulse solid rocket motor are currently under close examination at DRDO’s advanced weapons laboratories.
The PL-15E is an export variant of China’s PL-15 missile, which is fielded by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). It is considered one of the most advanced Chinese BVR missiles, designed for use with platforms such as the J-10C, J-11B, J-16, and J-20. It reportedly has a range exceeding 200 kilometers, features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar seeker, and is powered by a dual-pulse motor designed to maintain high energy during the terminal phase of flight.
idrw.org has also learned that multiple countries have expressed interest in accessing technical data on the PL-15E’s seeker and propulsion system, given its relevance to understanding China’s current generation of BVR air-to-air capabilities. The recovered hardware is offering a rare opportunity to dissect and evaluate the electronics, software, and materials used in one of China’s most advanced missile systems.
Furthermore, experts within DRDO believe that the core components of the PL-15E, including its AESA radar and guidance algorithms, are likely shared across other variants in service with the PLAAF. This opens avenues for deeper insight into Chinese air-to-air missile technology and potential countermeasure development.
The incident also raises concerns about the operational performance of the PL-15E, as none of the missiles that were launched appear to have struck their intended targets. While it is unclear whether this failure was due to jamming, countermeasures, or technical limitations, the recovery of multiple failed missile systems offers a rare intelligence windfall for Indian defense scientists.
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