Chinese PL-15 Missile

Brand: China Aerospace Science & Technology Corp. (CASC)
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System Active Radar (AESA) + Inertial Navigation
Maximum Speed Mach 4
Launch Compatibility J-10C, J-16, J-20
Warhead Technology High-Explosive Fragmentation

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	PL-15
Type / Role	Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Country of Origin	China
Manufacturer	CASIC (China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation)
Service Entry / Year Introduced	2015
Operational Status	Active

2. Performance & Range

Range	200–300 km (Long Range)
Speed	Mach 4
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Over 20,000 m
Accuracy (CEP)	High precision with radar homing
Warhead Type	High-Explosive Fragmentation

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	Inertial + Active Radar (AESA)
Targeting Mode	Fire-and-Forget / Midcourse Update
Launch Platform Compatibility	Fighter Jet
Seeker Type	Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	4.0 m
Diameter	0.20 m
Wingspan	0.60 m
Launch Weight	~210 kg
Propulsion	Dual-pulse Solid-fuel Rocket

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	~40 kg
Explosive Type	High-Explosive Fragmentation
Detonation Mechanism	Proximity Fuse
Payload Options	Conventional

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Long
Deployment Platform	Air
Target Types	Fighter Aircraft, AWACS, Tankers
Combat Proven	Limited Information
Users / Operators	China

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Long-range engagement capability (200+ km)
AESA radar seeker with high resistance to jamming
Dual-pulse motor for sustained flight energy
Compatible with 4th and 5th generation fighters
Advanced data link for midcourse correction

CONS

Unverified maximum range in real combat
Limited export availability for testing or evaluation
Dependence on Chinese data for performance validation
High cost and complex production technology
Potential vulnerability to future electronic warfare systems

PL-15 Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile

The PL-15 (Pi Li-15) is China’s next-generation beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), designed to replace the older PL-12 and counter Western missiles such as the AIM-120D AMRAAM. Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), it represents a major leap in Chinese air combat technology and strategic air superiority doctrine.

Introduced in the mid-2010s, the PL-15 is primarily deployed by advanced fighters such as the Chengdu J-10C, Shenyang J-16, and the stealthy J-20 Mighty Dragon. It is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar seeker, enabling it to track and engage targets at extreme distances under heavy electronic countermeasures.

Capabilities and Performance

The missile reportedly boasts a range exceeding 200 kilometers, allowing Chinese fighters to engage adversaries well before entering their own missile envelopes. Its dual-pulse solid rocket motor provides sustained propulsion during midcourse and terminal phases, improving speed and endgame energy. Operating at Mach 4, it is among the fastest operational air-to-air missiles in service.

The PL-15’s data link system allows midcourse updates from the launch aircraft or supporting platforms, while its low-smoke solid propellant reduces visibility to enemy sensors. Combined with advanced guidance algorithms and high resistance to jamming, the PL-15 gives the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) a decisive advantage in long-range engagements.

PL-15 Price in United States

While the PL-15 is not available for foreign or U.S. acquisition due to export restrictions, defense analysts estimate its unit cost to range between $1–1.2 million USD, based on comparable missile systems and open-source assessments.

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