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10-05-2025
- Politics
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Chinese-Made PL-15 Air-To-Air Missile Components Came Down Intact Inside India
The largely intact rear section and other parts of a Chinese-made PL-15E active-radar-guided air-to-air missile came down in India during a battle in the skies along the country's border with Pakistan earlier this week. While many details about the aerial confrontation between the two countries remain murky, it marked the first known combat use of any version of the PL-15. Recovery of any parts of what is one of China's most modern air-to-air missiles could be of great interest to authorities in India, as well as to its allies and partners. Readers can otherwise find out more about the ongoing India-Pakistan crisis in TWZ's reporting here. At a press conference today, Pakistani officials said that Chinese-made J-10 and JF-17 fighters, as well as U.S.-supplied F-16 Vipers, had taken part in the aerial fighting with Indian forces on the night of May 6-7. They also explicitly noted the employment of PL-15E missiles. Pakistani authorities claim 42 of their fighters tangled with 72 Indian jets, downing five of the opposing aircraft – three French-made Rafales, one Russian-made Su-30MKI Flanker, one Russian-made MiG-29 Fulcrum and a drone in the process. Weapon systems used by Pakistan during air clashes with India:– JF-17– J-10– F-16– PL-15 — Clash Report (@clashreport) May 9, 2025 Pakistan Air Force official explains how PAF shot down IAF fighter jets, a must watcher — Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) May 9, 2025 BREAKING: Pakistan Army shares locations where 5 Indian jets were shot down on the night of May 7. — Clash Report (@clashreport) May 9, 2025 Pakistan's claims remain largely unsubstantiated. Pakistani officials have now released radar data and audio recordings, but they cannot be readily verified independently. There is visual evidence of at least one of India's Rafales having been lost. There have also now been multiple reports on Indian Air Force losses, citing unnamed U.S., French, and Indian officials, but they disagree on the exact numbers and circumstances. Pakistan has also denied losing any of its aircraft in response to unconfirmed counterclaims. PAF, Pakistan Navy & DG ISPR explaining to the International media, a must watcher for everyone. — Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) May 9, 2025 BREAKING: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) played audio recordings of downed Indian Rafale jets from the night of May 6-7 during the ISPR press commander checking on formation on the record."REPORTING EXPLOSION IN AIR!" — Clash Report (@clashreport) May 9, 2025 In these exchanges, parts of Pakistan's Chinese-built PL-15E missiles fell inside Indian territory along the border with Pakistan. This includes one missile that reportedly came down near the village of Kamahi Devi in the Hoshiarpur district of the Punjab region with significant portions intact. Pictures and video show much of the rear body of the missile and what appears to be a portion of the guidance section lying nearby. *Recovered .. — 𝐊𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐈𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐒 (@Kunal_Biswas707) May 9, 2025 Whether any part of that missile was subsequently recovered is unclear. 'On Friday, on the information of the villagers, Indian Air Force personnel reached the spot and successfully neutralized that missile,' according to a machine translation of a report from India's Indo-Asian News Service (IANS). 'The soldiers sent the villagers away from the spot and later deactivated and destroyed it.' However, while there is video, seen below, showing Indian personnel securing the site, there does not appear to be imagery showing the physical destruction of the PL-15 components. Not recovering any parts of the missile seems unlikely given the intelligence potential. Hoshiarpur, Punjab: Army and Air Force personnel have arrived at the village Kamahi Devi, where a missile fired by Pakistan was successfully deactivated. The process of dismantling the missile is currently underway — IANS (@ians_india) May 9, 2025 Smaller PL-15 parts were reportedly found elsewhere in Punjab after the air battle this week. So 1st Use of PL-15 Very Long Range Air to Air Missile by PAF. — International Defence Analysis (@Defence_IDA) May 7, 2025 Didn't think I'd ever see a PL-15(E)'s AESA without going to a vault lolGood to know my guess was right — John Ridge (@John_A_Ridge) May 7, 2025 The loss of missiles, especially in a relatively intact state, can be the result of many circumstances. This includes shots taken at the maximum reach of a beyond-visual-range missile's capabilities, without prolonged guidance support of the launching aircraft. These launches can be used defensively or offensively, with the missile being fired at a target and entering into its 'fire-and-forget' mode, without assistance from the launching aircraft, long before its own seeker activates. These shots are made with the missile best predicting where the target will be based on initial telemetry up until its launch aircraft stops sending it mid-course updates. The missile's onboard radar, which has short range, would then turn on and search for the target when it thinks it's within range. This mode of fire drastically lowers the probability of a kill, but it also can greatly enhance the survivability of the launching fighter. Considering no Indian or Pakistani aircraft reportedly crossed over the border during these extensive air-to-air skirmishes, longer-range shots made with limited guidance by the launch aircraft likely occurred, with most aircraft staying far enough away from each other to survive the maximum capabilities of the opposing force's weapon systems. Mid-course updates provided from the launching fighter's radar would also be truncated due to the aircraft's proximity to the border and the need to turn physically away from it so as not to cross it or enter deep into the engagement envelopes of opposing fighters and surface-to-air missile systems. Just turning on a fighter radar for an extended time in such a high threat area can lead to rapid detection and death. Long-range shots also mean that the missiles would more likely be at a very low energy state when they eventually impact the ground. Once again, there are many reasons why a missile could turn up relatively intact like this, but considering what we know about the tactical situation along the border, this seems like one very likely possibility. The PL-15, which has been in Chinese service since the mid-2010s, is one of that country's most modern air-to-air missiles. It was reportedly developed to be at least a rough analog to the U.S. AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). It is a radar homing design with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) seeker that offers active and passive modes, and that is said to offer better resistance to radiofrequency countermeasures than its Chinese predecessors. It also has a two-way data link that allows for guidance updates after launch. The PL-15's reported maximum range is around 124 miles, but the reach of the export PL-15E variant in service in Pakistan is said to be just 90 miles. It is not uncommon for export versions of missiles to have reduced capabilities compared to the ones a country builds for its own use. In general, the recovery of relatively intact weapons and other material, especially more advanced designs, can be a boon for intelligence services. Retrieving parts of an air-to-air missile like the PL-15E can provide valuable details about its capabilities and limitations, which can then be used to help with the development of new countermeasures and tactics, techniques, and procedures. Though a missile guidance package – especially an AESA seeker like the one in the PL-15 – and other electronics would be of chief interest, close examination of other components could still yield very useful data. The PL-15 uses a dual-pulse rocket motor, and an expended example might still offer some insights into its performance. Testing of the materials used in the construction of the body and other parts of a missile could provide useful intelligence about the overall industrial capacity and quality control of production lines in the country of origin. The use of the PL-15 at all in the recent fighting would have offered opportunities for intelligence gathering, whether or not significant parts of the missiles are recovered. India could also share components of PL-15, or any other advanced materiel it recovers in the country of the current crisis, for further examination and analysis by allies and partners. The possibility of gleaning new details about the PL-15 could be of particular interest to the United States. The missiles would be a pressing threat to American aircraft in any future conflict with China. It is also worth noting that we don't know what information Indian, U.S., or any other foreign intelligence agencies may already have on the PL-15. The U.S. Intelligence Community, to include elements of the U.S. military, has an extensive so-called Foreign Materiel Exploitation (FME) enterprise charged specifically with acquiring items of interest ranging from aircraft to missiles to tanks, and much more, by whatever means might be available, as you can read more about in this detailed TWZ feature. In the meantime, the current India-Pakistan crisis shows no signs of slowing down. Just as this piece was being written, reports emerged of a new wave of Indian strikes targeting Pakistani bases, including one in the northern city of Rawalpindi, immediately to the southeast of the country's capital, Islamabad. Pakistani officials have denied the loss of any assets, but imagery has emerged raising the question of whether a C-130 was hit at Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi. Pakistan military spokesman says Indian airplanes fired missiles at an airbase in Rawalpindi. He adds that multiple military bases were targeted by Indian missiles. — Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) May 9, 2025 "India has fired Air to Surface Missiles from its planes targeting NurKhan airbase, Mureed Airbase and Shorkot airbase have been targeted, All Assets are SAFE", says Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif, Pal Mil Spox. #Pakistan — Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) May 9, 2025 It appears that a Pakistani Air Force C-130 military transport plane caught fire following Indian missile strikes on the Nur Khan Air Base. — Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (BlueSky too) (@Archer83Able) May 9, 2025 Alert: at least tow explosion sounds heard in Rawalpindi and surrounding area. According to locals, most probably the drones were shot downed. More details awaited — Mahaz (@MahazOfficial1) May 9, 2025 #BREAKING: Multiple explosions heard at Noor Khan Air Base of Pakistan Air Force in Rawalpindi – Headquarters of the Pakistan Army. Tit for Tat action by India after Pakistan Army launched attack on India Air bases and Military Stations. — Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) May 9, 2025 Pakistan's air defenses intercept Indian cruise missiles targeting Rafiqui Air Force Base near Shorkot, leeast 1 interception clearly recorded. — Clash Report (@clashreport) May 9, 2025 Whether or not the relatively intact parts of the PL-15E that fell in India's Punjab region this week were recovered, there may well be more chances to retrieve portions of those missiles or other valuable materiel for intelligence exploitation before the ongoing crisis ends. Tyler Rogoway contributed to this story. Contact the author: joe@
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08-05-2025
- Politics
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The Air-To-Air Missiles That Equip India And Pakistan's Fighters
Reports on the air war between India and Pakistan in recent days suggest what may well be the most intense series of aerial engagements for decades. While it's still very hard to obtain confirmed details of this combat, which some sources state has involved more than a hundred fighters simultaneously, we do, at least, know what kinds of air-to-air missiles (AAMs) are available to the Indian and Pakistan Air Forces. Already prominent among these is the Chinese-made PL-15, with wreckage of at least two examples of this weapon having been uncovered. You can read more about the implications of the first use of the PL-15 in our recent story on the subject. Pakistani security sources have posted claims of five Indian Air Force fighters shot down, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif boasting that the Pakistan Air Force had blown the five Indian jets to 'smithereens.' Of these supposed aerial kills, Pakistani sources have claimed the destruction of no fewer than three Rafale multirole fighters. So far, there are reports of one Rafale shootdown confirmed by a high-ranking French intelligence official, speaking to CNN, with French authorities meanwhile looking into possible further Rafale losses. Imagery allegedly showing the wreckage of one Rafale — single-seater serial BS-001, the first Rafale EH to be delivered to India — has been posted on social media. Rotating the original image, and looking at pic of serial BS 001 in better times, from the same side (right/starboard), all the details pretty much line up ("RAFALE" and "BS 001", roundel flag positioning, slime light, panel lines etc)If the pic is real, this would call it. — Rick Joe (@RickJoe_PLA) May 7, 2025 Meanwhile, another senior Pakistani security source has described to CNN a large-scale air battle involving 125 jets, fighting for over an hour, in which time the aircraft remained in their respective airspaces and lobbed AAMs at each other from long distances. BIG: Pakistan-India fighter jet 'dog fight' was one of largest and longest in recent aviation history, CNN reports.A total of 125 fighter jets battled for over an hour, with neither side leaving its own missile exchanges were happening at distances sometimes… — Clash Report (@clashreport) May 8, 2025 As well as crewed fighters, Pakistan has also made extensive claims on the destruction of Indian drones. Earlier today, Pakistan said it had downed 25 Israeli-made Harop loitering munitions. One of these drones was able to 'partially' engage a target near the city of Lahore, injuring four army personnel, according to Pakistan Army spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. Pakistan's air defence forces intercepting India's Israeli-origin Harop kamikaze drone attack over Lahore, military reported shooting down 12 Indian Harop drones near major cities like Karachi and Lahore. — Clash Report (@clashreport) May 8, 2025 So far, India's government has neither confirmed nor denied any of these losses. The use of Chinese-made AAMs by the Pakistan Air Force has also been capitalized on by Beijing, leading to the Indian embassy in China accusing Chinese state media of 'disinformation.' Overall, a significant degree of confusion is very much typical when dealing with engagements that have been happening in the heat of combat. A flood of official and unofficial claims and counterclaims, some of them outlandish, is also to be expected, especially when dealing with social media. So, we should keep an open mind about the results of these aerial confrontations and consider that accidents, as well as friendly fire incidents, are also very possible. At the same time, Indian and Pakistani ground-based air defense systems have very likely also played a significant role, and any aircraft losses could also be the result of surface-to-air missile engagements. Nevertheless, AAMs are clearly a hugely important factor in the air war. The following roundup looks at the major weapons in this class used by both sides in the conflict. While the information provided is as accurate as possible, for any AAM, performance — especially range — and overall reliability are highly dependent on a variety of factors, including the track of the target and the height and speed of the launch aircraft. The overall diversity of missile types and suppliers is especially noteworthy, with both countries having sourced AAMs from different nations. On the one hand, this is part of keeping ahead of the opposition, but it is also intended to secure supply lines, should access to certain technologies be cut off, especially in times of tension or conflict. In the same way, India, for example, has consistently procured fighters from both the Soviet Union (now Russia) and from Western manufacturers. ASRAAM The heat-seeking MBDA AIM-132 ASRAAM (Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile) is a notably capable dogfighting weapon, which has also come to greater prominence recently due to its use in the war in Ukraine, where it's been successfully adapted for surface launch. Weighing a little under 200 pounds and measuring 9 feet 6 inches long, the ASRAAM is broadly analogous to the AIM-9X Sidewinder, but with some performance differences. In particular, it reportedly has an unusually long maximum range for a weapon in its class. Indeed, unconfirmed accounts assess it can engage targets out to as far as 31 miles, although it's more usually attributed with a range of more than 15 miles. The missile's infrared seeker provides a high off-boresight (HOBS) acquisition envelope. India selected the ASRAAM for its upgraded Jaguar ground-attack aircraft and also integrated it on the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The Hawk Mk 132 advanced jet trainer, which has a secondary combat capability, can also use ASRAAM, although it's unclear if these are issued operationally. Astra Currently only known to be carried by the Su-30MKI, the Astra is India's first homegrown beyond-visual-range AAM. Developed by the Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO), the missile is a product of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). According to the DRDO, the Astra is capable of engaging highly maneuvering and supersonic targets at a range of up to 61 miles and flies at a speed of Mach 4.5. The missile features inertial guidance, midcourse updates via datalink, and an active radar seeker for the terminal phase (the active seeker is activated around eight miles from the target). The missile is claimed to offer a significant degree of electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to avoid hostile jamming. Astra is also planned to be integrated on the Tejas Mk 1A and the Indian Navy's MiG-29K. Derby Within the Indian Air Force, the Israeli-made Rafael Derby is used exclusively by the Tejas. The Derby ER (Extended Range) version used by India can hit targets at a claimed maximum range of up to 61 miles, putting it in the same class as the locally developed Astra. The Derby ER also employs inertial guidance, midcourse updates via datalink, and an active radar seeker for the terminal phase. Rafael advertises the Derby ER as having a 'full-sphere launch envelope,' meaning that it can be used to engage targets in the aft hemisphere, as well as in the forward sectors. The missile has a stated range of around 25 miles against targets in the aft hemisphere. For these kinds of engagements, the missile would be fired in lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) mode, beginning its flight under inertial control, with a datalink allowing the launch aircraft to provide target updates during missile flight, before achieving an in-flight lock-on. Tipping the scales at 260 pounds, the Derby ER is relatively light for a beyond-visual-range AAM, making it well suited to the diminutive Tejas. For larger fighters, however, the Indian Air Force has apparently chosen to stick with Russian-made AAMs and the locally developed Astra to tackle beyond-visual-range targets. Meteor The most capable beyond-visual-range AAM in the Indian Air Force inventory is the MBDA Meteor, which was acquired as part of New Delhi's deal to buy Rafale multirole combat aircraft. As we have discussed in detail in the past, the pan-European Meteor is distinguished by its novel ramjet propulsion system. This kind of motor can be throttled during different phases of flight. This means it still has sufficient energy during the terminal attack — when traditional air-to-air missile motors are normally losing energy and, therefore, agility. Thanks to its ramjet motor, the Meteor's all-important 'no-escape zone' is much larger than for comparable weapons. This means the enemy's chance of evading the missile at the endgame of the engagement, using high-energy maneuvering, is considerably reduced. Another advantage of being able to throttle the motor is that the Meteor's autopilot can calculate the most efficient route to the target for very long-range shots. The Meteor is also one of the longest-ranged Western AAMs, likely being able to engage targets out to around 130 miles. As well as an active radar seeker for the terminal phase, the Meteor has a two-way datalink. This provides the missile with in-flight updates as it flies out to the target, while the pilot in the launch aircraft can use the datalink to get information on the Meteor's fuel, energy, and tracking state. That can help determine if and when to fire another, disengage, or even assign a different target of opportunity. MICA The other AAM used on India's French-made fighters is the MICA, arming both the Rafale and the older Mirage 2000. Unusual for a modern Western beyond-visual-range AAM, the MICA can be fitted with either an active radar seeker or an infrared seeker head. When using the latter option, the seeker can act as a 'poor man's' infrared search and track system and provide target detection indication in the pilot's head-up display (HUD). The MICA uses a thrust-vectoring motor for improved agility and has a reported maximum range of around 37 miles. Python 5 The infrared-guided Rafael Python 5 is the latest member of a family of dogfight missiles that Israel began to develop in the late 1970s. While early iterations of the Python missile were simpler, short-range heat-seeking weapons, later versions were designed to be used with a helmet-mounted sight, namely successive iterations of Elbit's Display and Sight Helmet System (DASH). As well as having the ability to be slaved to the radar during the early part of the engagement, the Python seeker can be directed to nearly wherever the pilot's head and helmet are pointed. The Python 5's immediate predecessor, the Python 4, appeared in the early 1990s and is reported to have a 60-degree high off-boresight (HOBS) capability during close-quarters combat and maneuver at up to 70g; it is also said it can make a 180-degree turn after launch to intercept a target behind the launch aircraft. It also introduced a dual-waveband imaging infrared (IIR) seeker and infrared counter-countermeasures (IRCCM). The Python 5 adds further improvements, including a new seeker that is understood to provide better performance against drones. The Python 5 was acquired by India, together with the Derby ER, to arm the Tejas. R-27 Known to NATO as the AA-10 Alamo, the Vympel R-27 was developed by the Soviet Union from the mid-1970s to arm the MiG-29 and Su-27. The first two versions that entered production in 1983 are the semi-active radar-homing R-27R and the infrared-guided R-27T. The R-27R uses inertial navigation with mid-course radio corrections during the first 30 seconds of flight, with semi-active radar guidance for the terminal phase (requiring illumination by the fighter's radar). The R-27T has a passive infrared seeker and launches only after the seeker has been locked onto the target. Longer-range versions of these weapons were also produced by adding a more powerful dual-pulse engine section. These are the radar-guided R-27ER and the infrared-guided R-27ET. The maximum range of the R-27T is reportedly 37 miles, and 31 miles for the R-27T. The extended-range versions are able to hit targets at a maximum range of 59 miles (R-27ER) or 56 miles (R-27ET). A version of the R-27 with a passive radar seeker was also developed, but is not understood to have been acquired by India. Despite its age, the R-27 is still a primary weapon for the Indian MiG-29 and Su-30MKI. R-73 The Vympel R-73, known in the West as the AA-11 Archer, entered Soviet service in 1983 and quickly became regarded as a very capable short-range AAM. Its combination of an all-aspect infrared seeker, high off-boresight capability, thrust-vectoring controls, and the fact it could be cued by the pilot's helmet-mounted sight made it an immediate threat and ensured it would be an influential design. Today, the R-73's advantage has been eroded by the appearance of the AIM-9X Sidewinder, successive versions of the Israeli Python, the ASRAAM, and others. Nevertheless, the R-73 remains a very potent close-air combat missile, with a maximum range of around 18.6 miles against a head-on target, or 8.7 miles in a tail-on engagement. In Indian Air Force service, the R-73 is issued to MiG-21 Bison, MiG-29, and Su-30MKI units. R-77 Assigned the NATO reporting name AA-12 Adder, the Vympel R-77 was developed as the Soviet counterpart of the AIM-120 AMRAAM. First test-launched in 1984, it eventually entered service in 1994. Ultimately, the original R-77 saw only limited production for Russia, with most examples being completed for export. The missile is typically launched under inertial guidance, with midcourse updates provided by datalink, before using its active radar seeker for the terminal phase. Reportedly, the R-77 can switch to a passive radar homing mode if it encounters heavy electronic countermeasures, engaging the source of the jamming. The basic R-77 has a reported maximum range of 50 miles. The Indian Air Force uses the R-77 to arm the MiG-21 Bison, MiG-29, and Su-30MKI. While India sources its AAMs primarily from Europe and Russia, as well as increasingly undertaking local development, Pakistan primarily relies on Chinese-made missiles for its Chinese-developed fighters, while mainly U.S.-made weapons arm its F-16 fleet. AIM-9 Sidewinder The classic Sidewinder infrared-guided AAM remains the short-range weapon of choice for Pakistan's F-16 fleet. While Pakistan hasn't received the latest AIM-9X, it continues to use the all-aspect AIM-9L as well as the older AIM-9P version. AIM-120 AMRAAM The primary beyond-visual-range AAM for Pakistan's F-16 fleet is the AIM-120C-5 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), a weapon that first began to be delivered to the U.S. military in 1996. Overall, the AMRAAM is the most proven missile in its class. With the introduction of the longer-range AIM-120C-7, as well as the even longer-legged AIM-120D, the AIM-120C-5 is no longer quite as cutting edge as when it first appeared: it also lacks the two-way datalink and third-party targeting capabilities found on the D-model, for example. Nevertheless, the AIM-120C is still very capable and also offers some significant advantages over the earlier AIM-120A/B models. Even in its most basic, first sub-generation form, enhancements in range, guidance, resistance to countermeasures, and more are significant. According to data from one of its operators, the AIM-120C-5 provides a maximum range of around 46 miles. The big question around Pakistan's AMRAAM — and its F-16 fleet more broadly — is whether it would employ them in a confrontation of this kind with the Indian Air Force. Pakistan has a fleet of around 76 F-16s, which are a mix of A/B Air Defense Fighter (ADF), AM/BM Mid-Life Update (MLU), and Block 52 C/D models. These include jets acquired directly from the United States and second-hand sources. Other batches of the aircraft have, in the past, been placed under embargo by Washington, blocking their delivery. Back in 2019, during clashes between the Indian and Pakistan Air Forces, India publicly showed portions of an AIM-120C-5 as evidence that the F-16s were involved in some way. New Delhi also said it had 'irrefutable evidence' that a Pakistani F-16 had been shot down by a MiG-21 Bison. Meanwhile, Pakistan denied that its F-16s, which are its only aircraft capable of carrying AMRAAMs, participated in the fighting and denied any related losses. Regardless, there is a major political dimension to Pakistan using its F-16s against India. Over the years, there has been significant U.S. political opposition to selling F-16s to Pakistan at all from members of Congress, for various reasons, chiefly allegations that its state security apparatus is at least complicit in various terrorist activities, if it is not supporting them outright. With this in mind, Pakistan may think twice about using its F-16s against India to avoid restrictions on future military aid from the United States. With a growing fleet of Chinese-designed combat aircraft, armed with Chinese-made AAMs, the option of Pakistan keeping its F-16s out of any confrontation with India is also becoming more realistic. Magic The French-made Matra Magic 2 infrared-guided AAM is broadly analogous to the AIM-9L and can be used by Pakistan's F-16s as an alternative to the U.S.-made weapon. It is also used to arm the older F-7PG and Mirage 3/5 fighter fleets, although it is unlikely that these jets would be exposed to combat with the Indian Air Force, bearing in mind their more limited capabilities. PL-5 and PL-9 The Chinese-made PL-5 dogfight missile has its origins in the 1960s, although it only entered production in 1982, emerging as something of a clone of the AIM-9. The first version to enter service was the infrared-guided PL-5B, superseded in the mid-1980s by the improved PL-5C, and finally the PL-5E-II in the early 1990s. This last model is likely the one used by Pakistan, and it reportedly has much-improved high-off-boresight capabilities (an off-boresight angle of +/-25 degrees before launch), conferring all-aspect performance. It also features a laser proximity fuse. The PL-9, meanwhile, is another Chinese-made infrared-guided AAM, and a design that was produced exclusively for export, development starting in the mid-1980s. While based on the same missile body as the earlier PL-5 and PL-7, the PL-9 differs in its use of an all-aspect infrared seeker. While the PL-5E-II is primarily associated with the JF-17, the PL-9 is understood to arm the F-7PG, a type that remains in only limited operational service with the Pakistan Air Force. PL-12 China began work on the PL-12 in the early 1990s as a response to the AMRAAM. As such, the beyond-visual-range missile features active radar homing, as well as a datalink for mid-course updates. Reports suggest that the PL-12 uses a variable-thrust rocket motor to ensure speed and maneuverability across the flight envelope, and that the Chinese military considers it superior to the AIM-120B and the Russian R-77, although marginally less capable than the AIM-120C. According to official specifications, the PL-12 has a range of between 44 and 62 miles, reduced to 37-44 miles for the export-configured SD-10. The U.K.'s Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) defense think tank assesses that the PL-12's range 'sits somewhere between the AIM-120B and AIM-120C-5.' The PL-12 — or, more properly, the SD-10 export version — arms Pakistan's JF-17 and J-10C. PL-15 China's PL-15 beyond-visual-range AAM was developed as the follow-on to the PL-12, reportedly intended to at least match the performance of the AIM-120D. Most significantly, the new missile employs a dual-pulse rocket motor that helps boost its range to a reported 124 miles. A two-way datalink provides guidance updates to the missile and the launching aircraft, and the seeker uses active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology, with active and passive modes, and it's also said to have better resistance to countermeasures. The PL-15 likely began development around 2011 and, as well as replacing the PL-12 across China's fighter fleet, it has also been offered for export under the PL-15E name. Pakistan became the first customer for the PL-15E to arm its JF-17 and J-10C fighters. Published performance figures for the PL-15E include a range of 90 miles, somewhat less than for the domestic version. RUSI determines that the PL-15 'out-ranges the US-made AIM-120C/D AMRAAM series and has a comparable maximum range to the Meteor.' The same source notes, however, that the pan-European Meteor likely has a much larger no-escape zone and better long-range kill probability thanks to its ramjet motor. Regardless, the PL-15 provides Pakistan with a weapon that is at least comparable to the most capable AAMs employed by India. Of the missiles profiled, the PL-15 is the only one so far confirmed to have been used during the current hostilities. So far, wreckage of the missile has been identified in at least two locations, although the outcomes of the engagements remain unknown. Further confirmation: Another Chinese long-range PL-15E air-to-air missile parts were found in India's Punjab region, fired by Pakistan's J-10C fighter jets against Indian fighter jets. — Clash Report (@clashreport) May 8, 2025 Between them, India and Pakistan clearly have access to a wide variety of AAMs, many of which are highly capable — at least on paper. However, whatever their potential, air-to-air missiles will only ever be one part of securing a successful aerial engagement. Equally important are the respective sides' abilities to harness the advantages of training, networking, airborne early warning, electronic warfare, tactics, and many other factors. Ultimately, whatever happens in the ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan, it will be these elements that determine the wider fortunes of the respective air forces. Contact the author: thomas@
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Extremely Rare Ukrainian Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle Appears On Battlefield
An example of the Ukrainian BMP-55 heavy infantry fighting vehicle, a radically reworked T-55 tank converted to transport soldiers across the battlefield, has appeared somewhere in Ukraine. While it's unclear when or where the imagery was taken, this seems to be the first time a BMP-55 has been sighted in an apparently operational context. With suggestions that only one example of these vehicles was ever completed, this makes its appearance all the more remarkable. The photos in question began to circulate on social media today and may have been first posted to Telegram by the Military Informant channel. The vehicle, partially covered in snow, looks to have been abandoned, although it shows no obvious signs of damage. It's unclear whether the vehicle is still in Ukrainian hands or if it was captured by Russian forces. Spray-painted onto the rear of the hull, in blue, is 'M113,' presumably a joke based on the U.S.-made armored personnel carrier, also in Ukrainian service, although a case of mistaken identity can't be ruled out. "M113" — T-90K (@T_90AK) April 22, 2025 Whatever the story behind the vehicle's current status, it's surprising to see it, bearing in mind that it never progressed beyond prototype tests, as far as we know. There remains a possibility, albeit remote, that Ukraine may have launched production of the BMP-55, perhaps using T-54/55 series tanks captured in the country from the opposing Russian forces. Reported footage of Russian T-54 tanks heading to Ukraine. — Clash Report (@clashreport) March 22, 2023 Originally, the BMP-55 was developed by the Kharkiv Armored Repair Plant, a major maintenance facility in the northeast Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Work on the project appears to have begun around 2000, with the aim of making use of surplus T-55 tanks, which were no longer considered viable for frontline service. The T-55's turret was removed, and a new armored troop-carrying hull was mounted on the tank chassis. Unlike in the T-55, the new vehicle had the engine and transmission at the front of the hull, provided as a single unit that could be rapidly replaced. Ukrainian BMP-55 (T-55 modified into an armored transport platform) byu/AdexGodhail inTankPorn A similar program was created to convert the T-64 main battle tank into a heavy infantry fighting vehicle, known as the BMP-64. There was another Ukrainian project, also based on the T-64, known as the Azovets, a specialized vehicle designed for infantry fire support in urban fighting. The prototype of this vehicle — or what was left of it — was captured by Russian forces in Ukraine last year, having been left buried for some time. Official data from the manufacturer gives a weight of approximately 28.5 tons for the BMP-55, without armament. Meanwhile, there are accounts of a weight of around 44-46 tons, although this may well relate to the larger BMP-64. The BMP-55 reportedly had the capacity to carry up to 10 troops, although a standard eight-man infantry squad is specified by the manufacturer. The troops disembarked via a new rear-mounted ramp, which also made it easier to load casualties. The vehicle was operated by a crew of three. The armored personnel carrier seen in the recent imagery appears to have a launcher for a pair of anti-tank guided missiles in a remote station fitted on top of its hull, on the left-hand side of the vehicle, although there is no sign of the missiles themselves being loaded. As originally completed, there was also a remote weapon station on the right-hand side, fitted with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, although this has since been removed from the vehicle. The BMP-55 hull's armored protection was apparently able to withstand 25-30mm autocannon fire from the frontal arc, while the rear armor was said to be able to defend against 14.5mm armor-piercing rounds. Meanwhile, armor applied on the underside of the vehicle was designed to protect against TM-57 anti-tank mine blasts and the effects of similar weapons. Further protection could be added in the form of explosive reactive armor (ERA) on the front and sides of the vehicle, as well as thermal cover on the top of the hull. The BMP-55 was apparently developed primarily for export, providing any of the many nations operating the T-55 with a low-cost means to field a 'modern' heavy infantry fighting vehicle fleet. The first prototype was reportedly completed by 2009. In any event, neither the BMP-55 nor the BMP-64 received any export orders. Nor were they adopted for service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. After all, during Ukraine's years of peace in the 2000s, there was little impetus to convert tanks to become infantry fighting vehicles, although these would be of considerable value now, provided they were available in useful quantities. It should be noted that the idea of converting surplus tanks into heavy infantry fighting vehicles has found traction elsewhere, notably in Israel. The Israel Defense Forces have a long history of using heavy infantry fighting vehicles based on tank chassis. The Achzarit was an Israeli heavy IFV that was also based on a T-55 chassis, and it was followed by the Nagmachon and the Namer, which is in use today. These Israeli vehicles are considered especially useful for fighting in urban, counterinsurgency scenarios. Other roles well suited to these kinds of vehicles include combat engineering and, with appropriate armament fitted, fire support for infantry operations. Broadly similar in terms of reusing tank chassis is the Russian BMPT, which takes a T-72 and reworks it for urban counterinsurgency warfare, inspired by lessons from Moscow's two Chechen campaigns in the mid-1990s and early 2000s. The BMPT has been used in combat in Ukraine, although it appears to still be a very scarce vehicle in Russian service, with just one frontline unit so far having been equipped with them. Geolocated this train carrying BMPT Terminators to 52.597429, 38.439473 outside of Yelets, Russia (~300km from Ukraine). The train is heading west. BMPT Terminators were only introduced into service a few years ago and haven't been seen near Ukraine yet. — IntelWalrus (@IntelWalrus) February 20, 2022 Luhansk Oblast, Ukrainian forces from the 140th Marine Reconnaissance Battalion destroy a Russian BMPT Terminator with drone spotted indirect fire. — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 9, 2023 As for the BMP-55, this may well be the first and only time we get to see it on — or close to — the battlefield. As noted earlier, accounts suggest that only one prototype was produced, with no evidence of follow-on vehicle conversions, unless these have been taking place since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in which case, it has not been reported. It remains somewhat of a mystery what this example was doing, and to what degree it was exposed to combat. But, bearing in mind the rich tradition of armored vehicle development in Russia and Ukraine, it's unlikely to be the last unusual fighting vehicle to make an appearance in the war. Contact the author: thomas@
Cedar News
07-04-2025
- Business
- Cedar News
More than $2.1 trillion was lost on the US stock market in 20 minutes
This was the 'worst three-day drop' in the S&P 500 index since October 1987. Meanwhile, Trump is already considering suspending tariffs for 90 days for all countries except China, — Clash Report reports.
Al Bawaba
11-02-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Jordan King to meet Trump today amid unstable Gaza deal
Published February 11th, 2025 - 05:46 GMT ALBAWABA - Jordanian King Abdullah II started a working visit to the United States last Sunday, the Jordan Times reported adding that the king will meet with US President Donald Trump today. The US president's meeting with Jordan's King at the White House on Tuesday comes amid his repeated calls for Arab countries to host Palestinians as part of Trump's suggested plan to "take over" the Gaza Strip. King Abdullah II's visit comes amid the uncertainty of the ceasefire agreement as Hamas announced pausing the release of the next hostages scheduled on Saturday accusing Israel of violating the truce. As his Gaza plan to reshape the Middle East fluctuates, Trump will host King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House today. Trump said Jordan would take in Gazans no matter what. He threatened to cut aid to Jordan and Egypt. — Clash Report (@clashreport) February 11, 2025 Trump suggested taking control of Gaza and turning it into 'the Riviera of the Middle East,' while "resettling" Palestinians into neighboring nations with no right of return in a proposal that was condemned by many countries including Jordan, Egypt, China and Germany. Yesterday, Trump said he would pressure Jordan and Egypt into allowing the entry of Gazans saying, if necessary, he would withhold US funding from Jordan and Egypt. Trump told reporters on Monday: "If they don't, I would conceivably withhold aid, yes." © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
