Several unexploded Chinese PL-15E long-range air-to-air missiles have been recovered intact. These missiles were fired by Pakistani fighter jets. This situation offers a rare opportunity for technical analysis.
One such missile was discovered in a forested area near Hoshiarpur, Punjab. Experts believe these missiles likely failed to detonate or ran out of fuel mid-flight, rather than being intercepted. Preliminary assessments suggest Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets may have launched them from lower altitudes and longer ranges. This may have been due to pressure from India’s advanced S-400 air defense systems. This significantly compromised their range and precision.
Defense analysts say studying the recovered PL-15Es could enhance India’s electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures against such threats in the future.
