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India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
Why Pakistan-fired PL-15E missile's debris in India is China's worry
On the intervening night of May 6-7, India and Pakistan engaged in a high-stakes aerial stand-off, a non-conventional confrontation wherein neither side crossed the other's airspace. This clash, sparked by escalating tensions following the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, saw both nations deploy advanced fighter jets and missiles in a display of military under Operation Sindoor, fielded over four squadrons of its air force, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 jets, armed with BrahMos and SCALP-EG cruise missiles, AASM Hammer guided bombs for ground strikes, and Meteor missiles for air-to-air countered with more than 40 jets, including the US-supplied F-16 Vipers and Chinese J-10C and JF-17 Thunder fighters, firing PL-15E air-to-air missiles acquired from China and Fatah-II rockets at Indian is clear now how China cast a long shadow over the conflict. Indian military officials have accused Beijing of bolstering Pakistan with air defence and satellite systems, which apparently fell short in performance against the Indian aerial offensive. Amidst the three days of intense missile and drone exchanges between India and Pakistan, debris from a Chinese PL-15E missile, launched by a J-10C or JF-17 jet of the Pakistan air force, was found near Kamahi Devi village in Punjab's Hoshiarpur portions of the missile, including its propulsion, data-link, inertial unit and advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) seeker, were found to be intact. The debris find has drawn global attention, with the Five Eyes alliance (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand), Japan and South Korea having requested access to study its dual-pulse motor and AESA technology. This reflects global concerns about China's advancing military defence scientists now possess this debris, leading to speculation about potential reverse-engineering to bolster India's own beyond-visual-range missile programmes, such as the upgraded Astra missile, and to probably rule out technical glitches in its defence ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang, during a briefing on May 29, sidestepped questions about the efficacy of these systems, instead urging India and Pakistan to exercise restraint. 'India and Pakistan are neighbours who cannot be moved. We hope both sides will remain calm to avoid further complicating the situation,' he said, adding that China was willing to play a constructive role in regional acknowledged the PL-15E's use—for the first time by China in the conflict—noting it as an exported weapon showcased at multiple defence exhibitions, including the Zhuhai air show in November 2024. Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the PL-15E is a long-range, active radar-guided air-to-air missile. The recovery of its debris in India has sparked concerns in Beijing about technological military arsenal heavily relies on Chinese equipment, with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reporting that 81 per cent of its arms imports in 2020-24 came from China, up from 74 per cent in 2015-19. This includes over half of Pakistan's 400-plus fighter jets, notably the JF-17 and J-10C, alongside systems such as the HQ-9 air defence and PL-15E media posts have pegged this figure at as high as 82 per cent for 2019-23, underscoring Pakistan's dependence on Chinese arms, including co-developed platforms such as the JF-17. Reports also suggest China rushed additional PL-15E missile deliveries to Pakistan at the peak of tensions with India, highlighting Beijing's strategic support to its the debris of PL-15E offers India a rare opportunity to study cutting-edge Chinese technology, the incident also points to the complex interplay of regional rivalries and global arms dynamics. While India's defence research community may gain insights to refine its missile technology, a broader question remains: will this clash, marked by advanced weaponry and restrained borders, lead to de-escalation or further fuel South Asia's volatile fault lines?Subscribe to India Today MagazineMust Watch
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
China Breaks Silence on Chinese Weapons in India-Pakistan Air War
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China downplayed how India could benefit from studying its military technology in comments on reports that its neighbor and rival found an unexploded PL-15E missile during its recent conflict with Pakistan, . Newsweek has reached out to India's Defense Ministry for comment. Why It Matters The remarks mark the first time Beijing has publicly addressed the use of its weapons in the four-day military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed nations, the first to see a military—Pakistan—deploy a full array of advanced Chinese systems, including the HQ-9 air defense system, PL-15 missiles, and J-10C fighters, and put them to test in combat. Scale models of the J-15T fighter jet and the PL-15 missile are on display at the exhibition hall of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) on day 2 of the 15th China International... Scale models of the J-15T fighter jet and the PL-15 missile are on display at the exhibition hall of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) on day 2 of the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China 2024. More Zou Wei/VCG/AP What To Know "The missile you mentioned is an export equipment and has appeared in domestic and foreign defense exhibitions many times," Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson of the Chinese Defense Ministry told a press conference on Wednesday, when asked about reports on the missile. The PL-15E is an export version of a Chinese long-range air-to-air missile with an active radar seeker, capable of targeting enemy aircraft beyond visual range. Earlier this month, India's Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Amit Malviya published footage of the supposed Chinese missile, purportedly recovered in Punjab. According to multiple news reports, it was the third instance where remnants of the PL-15E were found on Indian territory during the India-Pakistan conflict from May 7 to May 10. A fully intact Chinese PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile was recovered in Hoshiarpur, Punjab—clearly launched from a PAF jet, most likely a JF-17. It failed to detonate. — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 9, 2025 The collection of debris holds significance for India—a growing U.S. partner—for technical examination and potential reverse engineering—and for its allies. The missiles were used during a massive air battle that took place between India and Pakistan, with the latter claiming to have taken down several of India's French-made Rafale jets using Chinese J-10 fighters. The United States has long considered South Asia a vital region in global peace and security. What People Are Saying Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense said, translated from Chinese: "India and Pakistan are neighbors who cannot move away. We hope that both sides should remain calm and restrained to avoid further complicating the situation. China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability. Christopher Clary, non-resident fellow with Stimson's South Asia program, wrote in published analysis: "The performance of these newer Chinese systems on the battlefield is of immense importance to states that worry about a future confrontation with China. Likewise, their performance matters for a large number of militaries considering the purchase of Chinese equipment for their own defense needs." What Happens Next China could be fast-tracking delivery of its advanced J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters to Pakistan, signaling deepening military ties amid rising tensions after recent cross-border violence with India.
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Beijing flexes its military might in South Asia and beyond
The scale and intensity of the four-day India-Pakistan conflict beginning on May 7 was marked by the battlefield debut of China's advanced military technology. At the onset of the conflict, US Vice-President J.D. Vance stated that the situation was 'fundamentally none of our business'. But, in a dramatic reversal, US President Donald Trump soon announced that his administration had brokered a 'historic ceasefire' between India and Pakistan. While India and Pakistan were still exchanging fire, the true victor was China, whose military technology transformed the conflict into a global moment of significance for its arms industry. After much speculation about its military capacity, Chinese defence tech has arrived on the global stage. The Pakistan Air Force fielded Chinese J-10C fighter jets and JF-17 planes – jointly developed by China and Pakistan – armed with Chinese PL-15 beyond-visual-range missiles. India used its French fighters and Israeli Harop drones, a line-up many, until now, considered technologically superior. Reports suggest that at least one French-made Rafale was downed by a missile shot from a Chinese-made J-10. The BBC authenticated images of the wreckage. The possibility of a French Rafale being downed by a Chinese J-10 sent shock waves through the Western military hardware industry. Even financial markets responded to the performance of Chinese military weapons as shares of AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, the state-owned manufacturer of the JF-17 and J-10C, soared by 36 per cent within two days. China reportedly provided Pakistan with significant battlefield advantages through realignment of air defence radar systems and satellite surveillance support which allowed Pakistan to monitor Indian troop movements and aerial deployments with precision. This elevated Pakistan's situational awareness and operational readiness, an advantage India did not seem to enjoy. The extent of coordination between China and Pakistan has set alarm bells ringing for both India and its Western partners, including the US which had earlier provided Pakistan with F-16 fighter jets. Anonymous US officials cited by Reuters claim F-16s were not used in the conflict, despite reports to the contrary. However, what is likely even more unsettling for the US is the implication that the conflict may have served as a proxy testing ground for China's military capabilities, especially in the event of a future confrontation over Taiwan
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
China's Jiutian SS-UAV spooks US, challenges its air superiority, but can it outfly latest air defenses?
Jiutian drone unveiled amid high-tech race The unveiling of the Jiutian SS-UAV at the 15th Zhuhai Airshow was no ordinary drone demo and the Americans were watching it closely. Developed by AVIC in partnership with Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology and Haige Communications, the Jiutian enters a new category: super-high altitude mothership UAVs. It has a max takeoff weight of 16 tons, a 25-meter wingspan, and can cruise at 15,000 meters, above the reach of many traditional air defense systems, and is expected to undertake its first test flight in June 2025. Chinese media claims the mother drone is powered by a high-thrust turbofan engine and has a range of 7,000 kilometers (extendable to 36 hours endurance). The Jiutian reportedly carries eight underwing hardpoints and a modular bay capable of launching smaller drones for reconnaissance, strike, or jamming missions. It integrates cutting-edge technologies like quantum-encrypted communications, hydrogen propulsion, AI swarm control, and supermaterial stealth design. Also read: US lost seven multi-million-dollar drones in Yemen area since March 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Vietnam: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo Strategic reach and multi-role modularity Unlike single-role UAVs, the Jiutian is engineered for adaptability. Its modular Isomerism Hive Module allows mission-specific configurations, from electronic warfare to cargo transport. Analysts view it as part of China's growing toolkit to project power into contested regions such as the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and even as far as Guam. The platform's versatility mirrors both the RQ-4 Global Hawk's surveillance prowess and the MQ-9 Reaper's strike capabilities, while adding swarm-launch functionality the US has not yet fielded in an operational UAV. The combination raises serious concerns for Western strategists tracking Chinese UAV innovation. Can US defenses intercept the Jiutian? While the Jiutian's 15,000-meter ceiling would place it beyond many legacy air defense systems, modern high-altitude interceptors can still engage it. The US THAAD system intercepts up to 150 kilometers. Patriot PAC-3, South Korea's KM-SAM Block II, Japan's Aegis BMD, and Taiwan's Sky Bow III can all reach or exceed 20 kilometers. Live Events Also read: Mystery drone swarms breach US military airspace—and Washington is unprepared Despite Jiutian's ability to fly at 15,000 meters, modern US and allied systems such as THAAD, Patriot PAC-3, and Aegis BMD are equipped to intercept threats at or above this altitude. This puts the Jiutian at significant risk in contested regions with updated air defense infrastructure. While it may remain untouchable over territories protected by outdated SAMs, any attempt to enter airspace secured by next-gen missile systems would likely require suppression of enemy air defenses or support from other PLA assets. Its survivability is highly conditional on the sophistication of the defenses it faces. China's larger UAV strategy The Jiutian is more than just a new drone, it reflects Beijing's grander ambition. Backed by over 3 billion yuan in funding and an entirely domestic supply chain, the program represents a leap in both AI integration and modular UAV design. Haige Communications' role in developing digital twins, quantum communication layers, and electromagnetic resilience tools is also a first for China's UAV fleet. The fourth Jiutian prototype was completed by April 2025, just 18 months after the project's launch, signaling accelerated development and testing cycles. Civil and naval potential While clearly designed for military superiority, the Jiutian's applications are not limited to warfare. Its modular systems make it suitable for emergency logistics, border patrol, search and rescue, and natural disaster response. Future operations could include launches from 076-class amphibious ships, giving the PLA added reach in offshore operations and naval integration. Also read: U.S. military stunned as Houthi rebels down 7 high-tech Reaper drones in weeks, costing over $300 million and raising eyebrows Military analysts caution that while unmanned assets reduce pilot risk, they also lower the threshold for conflict.
American Military News
09-05-2025
- Business
- American Military News
Chinese military exports linked to India-Pakistan conflict: Report
A new report claims that the recent conflict between Pakistan and India provides a 'de facto test environment for Chinese military exports' since China provides the majority of Pakistan's imported weapons. According to CNN, shares of China's AVIC Chengdu Aircraft stocks increased by 40% this week after Pakistan claimed that it used J-10C fighter jets produced by AVIC to shoot down Indian military aircraft during a Wednesday aerial conflict. CNN reported that India has not acknowledged the loss of any aircraft or issued a response to Pakistan's claims. Asked about Pakistan's alleged use of the AVIC J-10C fighter jets, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman indicated on Thursday that he was not familiar with the matter, according to CNN. According to CNBC, Yang Zi, an associate research fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said, 'Pakistan is the largest buyer of Chinese arms, including fighter jets, air defense systems, naval vessels, and UAVs.' Data shared by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute indicates that between 2020 and 2024, over 60% of Chinese arms exports were sent to Pakistan and that China has supplied roughly 81% of Pakistan's imported arms over the last five years. 'It's certainly likely that Pakistan used Chinese aircraft,' Seth Jones, president of the Center for Strategic and International Studies' defense and security department, said. READ MORE: Video: 26+ killed, 46 injured in Indian airstrikes against Pakistan In a statement to CNBC, Yang explained that the conflict between Pakistan and India 'serves as a positive testament to the quality of Chinese-made arms, given the performance of Pakistan's fighter jets and air defense systems against India's French- and Soviet-made aircraft.' According to CNN, while China has not fought in a major conflict in over four decades, the country has spent significant resources in the pursuit of advanced military weapons and technology under Chinese President Xi Jinping's leadership. The outlet noted that China has also helped Pakistan advance its military and described Pakistan as China's 'ironclad brother.' Highlighting the significance of the current conflict for China, Asia-Pacific Foundation International Security Director Sajjan Gohel said, 'This makes any engagement between India and Pakistan a de facto test environment for Chinese military exports.' 'Beijing's long-standing support for Islamabad – through hardware, training, and now increasingly AI-enabled targeting – has quietly shifted the tactical balance,' Craig Singleton, a Foundation for Defense of Democracies senior fellow, said. 'This isn't just a bilateral clash anymore; it's a glimpse of how Chinese defense exports are reshaping regional deterrence.'
