The 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, held from November 12 to 17 in the city of Zhuhai in southern China, is showcasing the latest developments in the aerospace industry of the Asian giant. In addition to the presentation of new fifth-generation aircraft, such as the J-20S and J-35A fighters of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the carrier-based J-15T and J-15D aircraft of the Navy (PLAN), advancements in the weaponry used by these platforms are also highlighted. Specifically, a new version of the PL-15E air-to-air missile is presented, aimed at enhancing the combat capabilities of the previously mentioned stealth aircraft.
Designated as the PL-15, this missile is the primary long-range active radar-guided air-to-air system in service with the People’s Liberation Army. Its development and introduction into the ranks of the PLA Air Force aimed to equip Chinese aircraft with weaponry comparable to the American AIM-120D missile.
Currently, it is one of the weapon systems equipped on the most modern combat aircraft in service with the PLA Navy and Air Force, including fighters like the J-10C, J-11B, the carrier-based J-15, and the J-16. Additionally, it is one of the missiles outfitted on the Shenyang J-20 stealth fighter for air-to-air combat and is presumably expected to equip the future J-35A and its variants, currently under development and testing. It is also worth noting the development of an export version of the missile, used by the Pakistani Air Force on its JF-17 Thunder and J-10C fighters.
In this edition of the airshow, the AVIC exhibition included models of the air-to-air missiles that will equip the new twin-seat version of the J-20, designated the J-20S, as well as the future J-35A. Specifically, a short-range PL-10E and the PL-15E were on display. Although these initially appear to be export versions, various photographs show modifications to the PL-15E that differentiate it from its predecessors.
Analysis focuses on the foldable rear fins, which feature a more compact, cruciform design compared to previous versions of the PL-15, as well as other modifications ensuring a better fit and less space within the internal weapon bays of the stealth fighters J-20 and, presumably, the J-35A.
One of the goals appears to be increasing payload capacity within their weapon bays, which seems to be a requirement from the Chinese Air Force, considering, for instance, the smaller size of the new J-35 stealth fighter compared to the J-20. Additionally, in the case of the latter, this could allow for an increase in the number of long-range air-to-air missiles it can deploy in air superiority or coverage missions.
Highlighting the current capabilities of the PLAAF’s main air superiority aircraft, the Mighty Dragon (J-20) can carry four standard PL-15 missiles, complemented by two short-range PL-10 missiles. The intention to equip the J-20 with more missiles aims to bridge the gap with the United States Air Force’s F-22 Raptor, which can carry up to six AMRAAM missiles in its internal bay and two Sidewinder air-to-air missiles in its side bays (one on each side). Meanwhile, the F-35 can carry up to four missiles of this class, with various adapters developed to enable its side bays to use them in the Lightning II.
Beyond China’s current plans, refining the design of the PL-15 to adapt and function more efficiently in stealth fighters aims to further enhance a missile that, according to Western sources, is considered among the most advanced worldwide. The missile currently features an AESA-based seeker, along with a dual-pulse rocket motor that provides a range of up to 124 miles, and includes a two-way data link that ensures continuous data provision from the launch aircraft during the flight phase.
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