(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Recently, Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force J-16 fighter aircraft have been observed carrying the air-to-air missile “PL-17,” touted as its longest-range air-to-air guided missile with an operational radius reaching up to 400 km.
Images circulated on social media discussing China’s defense affairs in recent days have confirmed the existence of the air-to-air guided missile “PL-17,” which was previously only speculative among international military observers.
The aforementioned images depict four Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force J-16 fighter aircraft equipped with air-to-air missiles in various configurations, including four PL-10, one PL-12, four PL-15, and one PL-17.
It is a variant of air-to-air guided missiles designed for close-range, medium-range, and long-range combat.
The photos by Zhao Yutong were reportedly taken on November 25 during a formation flight exercise involving these fighter aircraft.
“With a range of 400 km, the PL-17 air-to-air guided missile is currently the longest-range air-to-air guided missile in the world, far exceeding what is known to be possessed by the United States at present.”
Long-range air-to-air guided missiles like the “PL-17” operate with the assistance of early warning aircraft for target tracking purposes.
Currently, China’s longest-range air-to-air guided missile is the “PL-15,” capable of engaging airborne targets up to a range of 300 km.
With its 300 km range, the operational capability of the “PL-15” has already caused concern for the United States, which endeavored to develop the “AIM-260” air-to-air guided missile in 2017 to compete.
If the existence of the “PL-15” with a 300 km operational radius has raised alarms in the United States, envision the presence of the air-to-air guided missile “PL-17,” capable of engaging aerial targets at a range of 400 km.
It undoubtedly will prompt Washington to develop air-to-air guided missiles with even greater operational ranges.
Chinese media outlets state that the “PL-17” air-to-air guided missile began operational use by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force last year.
The primary targets of long-range air-to-air guided missiles (Beyond Visual Range), such as the “PL-17,” are crucial assets like Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) aircraft and aerial refueling aircraft essential for ensuring the smoothness of air operations.
Without AEWC aircraft and refueling tankers, it would limit the air operations of any air force and diminish its threat potential. — DSA
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