pl 15 missiles

India is bolstering its air-to-air missile capabilities with indigenous Astra Mk-2 and the upcoming Astra Mk-3 Gandiva, boasting ranges of 200 km and 350 km respectively. This strategic move aims to counter threats and achieve parity with advanced US and Chinese weaponry, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and ensuring national security in ultra-long-range aerial combat.

China has for the first time publicly acknowledged providing on-ground technical assistance to Pakistan during India's Operation Sindoor last year. Chinese engineers from AVIC's Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute were involved in ensuring Pakistani aircraft operated at full combat capability. This marks the first official indication of direct Chinese personnel involvement in supporting Pakistani military operations during the conflict.

An unexploded Chinese PL-15 missile was recovered in Punjab during Operation Sindoor. Here’s why the missile has sent defence strategists, scientists and manufacturers into a tizzy

Following the interception of missiles and drones fired by Pakistan, remnants of a missile were discovered in Punjab's Hoshiarpur. Initial reports suggest the recovered missile might be a Chinese PL-15, potentially launched from a Pakistani JF-17. If confirmed, India could gain valuable insights into its technology, enhancing its defense capabilities and strategic advantage against China.

At the forefront of Pakistan’s recent aerial aggression were Chinese-made PL-15 air-to-air missiles and Turkish-origin Byker Yiha kamikaze and Asisguard Songar drones

Chinese defence stocks plummeted following a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, erasing earlier gains fueled by expectations of increased arms sales to Pakistan. The Hang Seng China A Aerospace & Defence Index saw a significant drop, with companies like AVIC Chengdu Aircraft and Zhuzhou Hongda experiencing substantial losses.

The US Navy deployed the AIM-174B long-range air-to-air missile in the Indo-Pacific to counter China's aerial supremacy. This missile, operational since July, significantly extends reach compared to previous missiles. It allows US jets to keep Chinese threats at bay, protect key assets, and strike high-value targets from afar, altering the strategic balance in the region.

Government revealed details of Operation Sindoor. Indian Air Force bypassed Chinese defence systems. They destroyed Pakistani military targets. Strikes occurred at Noor Khan and Rahimyar Khan airbases. India used indigenous platforms. Pakistan's attacks involved Chinese missiles and Turkish drones. Indian air defence systems neutralised these threats. Made-in-India technologies proved successful. Wreckage of foreign weapons was recovered.

Congress demands an explanation from the Modi government regarding Russia's decision to supply advanced RD-93MA engines for Pakistan's JF-17 fighter jets. This move, despite India's appeals and ongoing defence purchases from Moscow, raises concerns as these jets may have been used against India. The deal proceeds despite EAM Jaishankar's interventions.

India and Israel are poised to sign a landmark defense agreement, focusing on technology transfer for advanced weapons systems. The deal aims to bolster India's missile defense capabilities with Israeli systems like Iron Dome and Iron Beam, enhancing its security against aerial threats and fortifying its borders.

A political spat erupted after Congress accused the Modi government of permitting Russia to supply RD-93MA engines for Pakistan's JF-17 jets, citing a media report. The BJP quickly hit back, referencing another report where Moscow denied the claim, further alleging Congress's source was pro-Pakistan propaganda.

A look at how China has armed India's nuclear neighbour, covering everything from main battle tanks and air defence systems to advanced fighter jets, drones, frigates and submarines

China's arms exports faced a significant setback as its weapons, including air defence systems like the HQ-9 and JY-27A radar, proved ineffective during India's Operation Sindoor and a recent Venezuelan operation. These incidents highlighted a technological gap, with Russian-supplied missiles also failing to perform. The failures have damaged China's reputation as a reliable arms supplier.

China declined to comment on the effectiveness of its weapons used by Pakistan during recent clashes with India, including the PL-15E missile. A Chinese spokesperson urged restraint between the two nations, reiterating China's commitment to regional peace. This follows India's strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack. China remains Pakistan's primary arms supplier, providing advanced military equipment.

Recent conflicts have exposed troubling vulnerabilities in Chinese weaponry. Pakistan's air defenses buckled against Indian missiles, Venezuela's radars went dark during a US raid, and Iran's systems faltered under airstrikes—patterns that point to shoddy engineering and weak software. Taken together, these incidents suggest systemic quality-control problems that erode buyer confidence and fuel a credibility crisis for China's arms industry.