China's PL-16 air-to-air missile enters service

China's secret PL-16 air-to-air missile may now be equipped on J-20 and J-35 stealth aircraft.

New reports suggest the Chinese Air Force is reportedly integrating a new long-range air-to-air missile, the PL-16, into its tactical aviation arsenal. Photo: @ FOX 55 Fort Wayne.

The PL-16 missile is deployed on a limited basis on J-20A and J-35 fighter jets, and has a range comparable to the US AIM-260 missile and Russia's R-37M missile. Photo: @ Aeroflap.

The Russian Arms Telegram channel reported the news, citing documents revealed at a closed seminar for Chinese military pilots. Photo: @ FOX 55 Fort Wayne.

Although Beijing has yet to officially confirm the deployment of the PL-16 missile, new images and recent comments from defense experts suggest that the PL-16 air-to-air missile may have entered service, but on a limited scale. Photo: @Asia Times.

The PL-16 is believed to be an improved version of the PL-15E, which made headlines after it was reportedly used to intercept an Indian Rafale F3R fighter jet during a recent clash on the India-Pakistan border. Photo: @Aeroflap.

The upgrade is expected to enhance the beyond visual range (BVR) capabilities of China's stealth fighter fleet. Photo: @ Aeroflap.

The PL-16 could be compatible with China's fifth-generation fighters, including the J-20A and J-35, which are capable of operating on aircraft carriers. Photo: @Asia Times.

Thanks to its relatively compact design, the PL-16 missile allows the J-20 fighter jet's internal weapons bay to carry up to six missiles - two more than the previous PL-15 configuration. Photo: @Asia Times.

The PL-16 missile's estimated range is 280 km when launched from a high altitude of 11,500 meters in the front hemisphere. Photo: @ MilitaryLeak.

It is said to be able to attack targets at a distance of up to 140 km in the rear hemisphere and about 200 km at a horizontal angle (90° to 270°), on par with the US-developed AIM-260 missile and Russia's R-37M. Photo: @Asia Times.

Military analysts also stress that the PL-16 will not replace the larger PL-17, which remains China’s longest-range air-to-air missile, capable of hitting targets at a distance of 350 to 430 kilometers. The PL-17 shares design features with the HQ-22 ground-based air defense missile. Photo: @ MilitaryLeak.

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