Chinese PL-15E Missile

Brand: Aviation Industry Corporation of China
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System Active Radar Homing (AESA)
Maximum Speed Mach 4
Launch Compatibility JF-17 Block III, J-10C, J-16
Warhead Technology High-Explosive Fragmentation

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	PL-15E
Type / Role	Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM)
Country of Origin	China
Manufacturer	AVIC / CALT
Service Entry / Year Introduced	2021 (Export Variant)
Operational Status	Active / Export Ready

2. Performance & Range

Range	145+ km
Speed	Mach 4
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	25,000 m
Accuracy (CEP)	Within 5 m (estimated)
Warhead Type	High-Explosive Fragmentation

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	Inertial + Data Link + Active Radar (AESA)
Targeting Mode	Fire-and-Forget with Mid-Course Update
Launch Platform Compatibility	JF-17 Block III, J-10C, J-16
Seeker Type	AESA Radar Seeker

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	3.65 m
Diameter	0.20 m
Wingspan	0.70 m
Launch Weight	Approx. 210 kg
Propulsion	Dual-Pulse Solid Rocket Motor

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	Fighters, Bombers, AEW&C Aircraft
Combat Proven	Limited (Pakistan Air Force)
Users / Operators	China, Pakistan

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 engagement range exceeding 145 km
AESA radar seeker for superior target tracking
Dual-pulse motor enhances endgame performance
Resistant to electronic countermeasures (ECM)
Compatible with advanced fighter platforms

CONS

Limited export availability and political restrictions
No operational record outside China and Pakistan
Heavier than some Western BVRAAM counterparts
Lacks public data on mid-course update accuracy
May face integration challenges with non-Chinese jets

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

The PL-15E represents the export variant of China’s next-generation PL-15 (PiLi-15) air-to-air missile, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Designed for long-range aerial engagements, the PL-15E is one of the most advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAMs) available on the global market, offering cutting-edge performance to modern fighter fleets.

Advanced Guidance and Range

Equipped with an active radar seeker powered by an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, the PL-15E provides exceptional tracking precision and resistance to electronic countermeasures. It boasts an estimated engagement range of up to 145 km, enabling pilots to strike aerial targets before entering visual range. The missile employs a dual-pulse solid-fuel rocket motor, enhancing endgame maneuverability and sustained velocity during terminal phases.

Combat Role and Compatibility

The PL-15E is engineered for medium-to-long-range aerial combat, targeting enemy fighters, bombers, and high-value airborne assets such as AEW&C aircraft. It is compatible with Chinese fourth-generation and newer fighters like the JF-17 Block III, J-10C, and J-16. Its integration of fire-and-forget capability and data link updates ensures adaptability in dynamic combat environments.

Design and Performance

The missile’s airframe features compact folding fins and aerodynamic shaping optimized for supersonic flight stability. With speeds reaching Mach 4, it delivers a lethal mix of speed, range, and precision. A high-explosive fragmentation warhead ensures effective kill probability against agile targets at various altitudes.

PL-15E Price in United State

While the PL-15E is not available for U.S. acquisition, its estimated export price ranges between $900,000 and $1.2 million per unit, depending on configuration and support package.

Reviews

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Range & Endurance:

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