The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has published video imagery showing, for the first time, a JF-17 Block III fighter aircraft armed with the long-range PL-15 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM).
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has laced its JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets with the PL-15E long-range air-to-air missile. The integration of this Chinese-origin missile is assumed to be a massive upgrade in Pakistan’s beyond-visual-range warfare potential.
What is the PL-15E Missile?
The PL-15E is considered to be the export version of China’s state of the art PL-15 missile, developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China. Its name is included in one of the most commanded and strongest BVR missiles available in the global arms market.
Key Features of the PL-15E:
• Effective range: 145 kilometers
• Seeker: Active radar homing
• Advanced ECCM: Strong resistance to electronic jamming
• Speed and accuracy: High probability of first-shot kill against enemy aircraft
The potential permit fighter jets to affect adversaries before visual contact, providing a winning edge in air superiority.
Enhanced Firepower for JF-17 Block-III
Recent high-resolution images are captured from a PAF airbase show PL-15E missiles mounted on the JF-17 Block-III which is also called as JF-17C permitting the operational deployment of this new weapon.
Read more: Everything to know about Pakistan’s upgraded Abdali tactical ballistic missile system
The JF-17 Block-III is collectively created by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. This is considered to be the most advanced version of the JF-17 series.
It is equipped with the following features:
• KLJ-7A AESA radar for better target detection
• Upgraded cockpit and HUD systems
• Advanced electronic warfare (EW) suite
• Helmet-mounted display for missile cueing
This permits the jet to fully utilize the long-range and precision features of the PL-15E.
Strategic Implications for Pakistan’s Air Defense
Pakistan now operates two combat aircraft capable of deploying PL-15E missiles:
• JF-17 Block-III (JF-17C)
• J-10CE multirole fighters
This dual-platform capability extends PAF’s air-to-air engagement envelope dramatically, improving
- Interception capabilities
- Defense readiness
- Deterrence posture
Strengthening Pakistan-China Defense Ties
The move is a result of a recent procurement agreement took place between Islamabad and Beijing, reflecting deeper strategic and military cooperation.
It highly reflects the zeal and zest of Pakistan to modernize its air fleet with the latest technology, ensuring national security in a rapidly evolving regional landscape.
Future outlook
As regional airpower dynamics continue to evolve, the deployment of the PL-15E on JF-17C positions the PAF as a technologically competent and forward-looking force, capable of responding to both conventional and hybrid threats with enhanced precision.