PL‑16 Missile

Full Specifications

PL‑16 Long‑Range Air‑to‑Air Missile

The PL‑16 is China’s next‑generation long‑range air‑to‑air missile designed to give its fifth‑generation fighters a reach advantage in beyond‑visual‑range (BVR) combat. Built to fit the internal weapon bays of stealth jets like the Chengdu J‑20 and the naval J‑35, the PL‑16 reflects China’s focus on maximizing internal payload and reducing radar cross‑section in contested airspace.

Overview

The PL‑16 is an evolution of the earlier PL‑15, optimized for compact carriage without sacrificing reach. It reportedly enters limited service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, though official confirmation remains sparse. It aims to provide fighters with a long‑reach missile that retains high performance while fitting next‑gen stealth aircraft bays.

Manufacturer

China’s aerospace industry develops the missile, drawing on insights from the PL‑15 program and modern radar and propulsion tech. It likely uses a dual‑pulse solid rocket motor to balance range and maneuverability.

Speed and Range

While exact figures are not officially published, military analysts estimate the PL‑16 can engage targets in excess of 200 kilometers in optimal conditions, with some reports suggesting forward hemisphere reach near 280 kilometers when launched at high altitude. Speeds likely exceed Mach 4, keeping pace with other modern BVR missiles.

PL‑16 Missile Price

China has not disclosed a unit price for the PL‑16. Comparable long‑range air‑to‑air missiles typically cost around one million USD or more, depending on production scale and export arrangements.

The PL‑16 uses an advanced active radar seeker, possibly AESA, enabling accurate target tracking in electronically contested environments. It may also include a two‑way datalink for mid‑course updates, inertial navigation, and satellite corrections.

In service it offers a potent long‑reach option, layered above shorter‑range weapons such as the PL‑10 for short‑range engagements. While combat use has not been documented publicly, its integration with China’s stealth fleet indicates priority for air dominance missions.