PL-15

The PL-15 is an active radar-guided very long range air-to-air missile developed by the People's Republic of China. Its range is comparable to that of the European Meteor (missile) and the Russian R-37 (missile)PL-15 is inducted into military service in 2016 and is being carried by the J-10C, J-16 and J-20 aircraft. The missile features an active electronically scanned array radar, which makes evasion difficult for the most agile of fighter jets. It is 4 meters long and incorporates a dual-thrust rocket motor. Upon launch, the missile reaches a speed of mach 4 and is capable of engaging targets at a distance of 150 km.

Compared to Chinese previous generation PL-12, which boasts a maximum range of 100 km, the new and larger PL-15 has a longer radar detection range and increased anti-jamming capability. During the 2018 Airshow China, two J-20 fighters of PLAAF displays their internal payload, with each carrying four PL-15 and two PL-10E in its internal weapons bay. PL-15 effectively increases Chinese Anti-Access/Area Denial capability by targeting key "enabler" targets, such as Aerial refueling and AEW&C aircraft.

Military expert Fu Qianshao suggested that China was developing an advanced long-range missile air-to-air missile capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 400 km.

Similar weapons

 * AIM-120 AMRAAM
 * R-77
 * MBDA Meteor
 * Long-Range Engagement Weapon
 * R-37 (missile)
 * PL-21