Richard Fisher, who analyzes the Chinese military for the International Assessment and Strategy Center, said the disclosure highlights a significant new military capability. The missile is larger than China’s PL-12 air-to-air missile that is comparable to the U.S. AIM-120 advanced air-launched missiles. The weapons hold for the J-20 also appears twice as large as that of the U.S. F-22 Raptor.
“The new AAM, when launched at supercruise speeds, likely confers a very long range, potentially exceeding [93 miles],” Mr. Fisher said.
“In revealing this new air-to-air missile, China is signaling that its new J-20 stealth fighter will challenge the United States in the ‘beyond visual range’ or BVR air battle the United States has for decades sought to dominate,” he said.
“This is double bad news for the Air Force, as it highlights the administration’s February 2012 decision to cancel its next generation air-to-air missile, creating greater risk for the F-22 air superiority fighter fleet made dangerously small by the administration’s 2009 decision to end production at 187 fighters,” he added. “This missile could also make the J-20 a greater threat to the Air Force’s next-generation bomber.”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jul/10/inside-the-ring-more-nsa-leaks/?page=all