Is china preparing new PL-17 missile for pak ?? modern version of PL-15E

Defence security asia

As the spotlight intensifies on China’s J-10C multirole fighter jet, another name increasingly capturing the attention of global defence analysts is the PL-15E, China’s export-variant long-range Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile.

Developed by the China Academy of Missile Airborne (CAMA), the PL-15E has catapulted into the international spotlight following claims that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) J-10C fighters armed with the missile successfully shot down three Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale jets in a high-intensity air combat engagement.

This engagement is considered historic, marking the first time a Dassault Rafale—regarded as one of the most advanced 4.5-generation fighters in the world—has ever been confirmed downed in actual combat.

The PL-15E represents the export version of the PL-15—a next-generation long-range BVR missile fielded by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)—and is specifically tailored for international clients like Pakistan.

A major differentiator between the domestic and export variants is effective range: the PL-15E reportedly has a maximum engagement distance of approximately 145 km, while the indigenous PL-15 employed by China’s J-10C, J-20, J-16 and other fighters boasts a reach of up to 300 km.