Leaked Document Shows Pakistan Received Range-capped PL-15E Missiles, Lacking Advanced Radar

Information reportedly originating from a leaked internal document from China's state-owned defence exporter, the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), suggests specific limitations on advanced missiles supplied to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

According to the document's details, Pakistan has taken delivery of 240 PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVR-AAMs). However, the document clarifies that this export variant has its maximum effective range restricted to 145 kilometres.

This contradicts earlier suggestions in Pakistani media that the PAF had acquired the standard PL-15 missile utilized by China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), which is understood to possess a range exceeding 200 kilometres.

The disclosed document further elaborates on the financial structure of a wider defence acquisition package. It details a loan of just over 10.1 billion Chinese Yuan (approximately USD 1.4 billion) provided by CATIC to the PAF.

This financing covered the procurement of 20 J-10CE 'Vigorous Dragon' fighter jets – Pakistan being the first international customer for this modern multirole aircraft – along with the 240 PL-15E missiles.

The deal also included 10 spare KWS-10B jet engines, a flight management system, and associated support materials and services. The arrangement, made on a seller's credit basis, highlights the ongoing strategic defence relationship between China and Pakistan.

The PL-15E is identified as an export-specific version of the more capable PL-15 missile. Such modifications for export are common and often implemented to comply with international arms control protocols or due to strategic choices by the seller nation.

The standard PL-15 used by the PLAAF is widely reported to incorporate advanced features such as an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar seeker for improved targeting and a dual-pulse rocket motor for enhanced range and end-game maneuverability.

The document's assertion of a 145-kilometre range cap for the PL-15E supplied to Pakistan indicates a deliberate performance limitation compared to the domestic Chinese version.

This revelation challenges the narrative previously circulated in some Pakistani media outlets regarding the acquisition of the full-capability PL-15, raising questions about the precise nature of the PAF's upgraded air-to-air combat systems.

 

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[Mc Addy]

Who would leak such information as no one ever tells real missile range unless one gets hold of them physically so why would China cap the range ?? Its ridiculous assumption and we will be hit surely as no military anywhere allows real data in public domain.

 

[Mc Addy]

Real shock will come believing these non sense reports . Our intelligence is a total faliure when it comes to China .

 

[Just a Patriot]

When China and Pakistan are involved, nothing can be trusted. This can very well be complete range PL-15 combined with an intentional leak of misinformation. Even if it is full range, we have got enough deterrence and firepower to shoot jets loaded with these way before they can target us. God have mercy on us and help us to win this war decisively. Jai Hind.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

The way China is giving weapons to Pakistan is just beyond imaginable. China doesn't care about money. China wants to create pressure on India by Pakistan and now Bangladesh too. India has to change its policy and rethink its strategy against China. India has to speed up its defence export to the Philippines, Vietnam, and now include Taiwan also. India has to use the Taiwan card now. India has to increase its defence budget too. India needs a minimum 100 bn dollar defence budget. India has to do it. India is going to face a 3 front challenge.

 

[Bks98]

Just compare the best air-to-air missile from both countries. Pakistan has the best air-to-air missile, which is PL-15E, having a 140 km range with no confirmed accuracy (not tested properly). But India has the world's best air-to-air missile called Meteor, which has a range of 200 km and has been successful in many wars. Our Astra-3 will surpass Meteor and will become number 1.

 

[Bks98]

Compare best fighter jet or both countries. Pakistan has J10 C which is cheaper version of F16 is not war tested. Where as Rafael world's costliest fighter jets has created havoc in Syria, Iraq. Turkey army wet their pants seeing Rafael of Greece and wanted to buy F35 to neutral but USA rejected it.