Latest news with #PL-17
India.com
16-07-2025
- Science
- India.com
Bad news for China as India develops deadly ‘Gandiv' missiles to shoot down China's J-20 stealth fighter, the Astra MkIII can travel…can be launched…
Image for the representational purposes New Delhi: In a major development that promises to bring a revolutionary change in the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed the Astra MkIII air-to-air missile. The missile is designed to engage targets in air-to-air combat. According to the reports, the Astra Mk-3 missile, which has been named 'Gandiv', is now set to undergo developmental trials. This missile is not only a demonstration of India's indigenous missile development capabilities to the world, but also a decisive step towards countering China's advanced missiles like the PL-15 and PL-17. One of the key highlights is that after the successful development of Astra Mk-3, an upgraded next variant is also planned. Once inducted into the Indian Air Force, this missile will provide India with a powerful weapon capable of taking down enemy fighter jets and surveillance aircraft from several hundred kilometers away, especially in the context of threats from China and Pakistan. DRDO claims that this new technology will be used in both Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3, thereby giving India's aerial defense system a robust electronic warfare-resistant framework. Here are some of the key features of Astra Mk-3 missile? The Astra Mk-3 missile has been named after 'Gandiv,' the mighty bow of the great warrior Arjuna from the Mahabharata. Astra Mk-3 missile is a ramjet-powered Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) The missile is specially designed to target high-value assets and stealth fighter jets, bombers, and Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft at ranges of over 300–350 kilometers. Astra Mk-3 missile is equipped with DRDO's Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology This enables it to travel long distances at supersonic speeds — up to Mach 4.5. One of its key advantages is its ability to use oxygen from the atmosphere as an oxidizer, eliminating the need to carry heavy oxidizing agents, making the missile lighter and more efficient. Its ramjet technology also gives it a throttleable propulsion system, allowing it to dynamically adjust speed and power in real-time. This makes it highly effective in rapidly changing combat scenarios and capable of hitting fast-moving, highly maneuverable targets. In short, the Astra Mk-3 can strike targets up to 350 kilometers away at Mach 4.5 speed, making it an extremely lethal and formidable weapon in India's aerial arsenal. The production model of Astra Mk-3 is moving beyond a Gallium Arsenide (GaAs)-based AESA seeker and will now incorporate a Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based seeker, according to the reports. GaN-based seekers are capable of operating at higher temperatures and are significantly more resistant to electronic jamming (ECM). The DRDO has specifically designed this missile to shoot down Chinese J-20 fifth-generation fighter jets mid-air. Therefore, it has been equipped with the capability to resist jamming during electronic warfare and to penetrate stealth technology-equipped jets. Chinese PL-15 and PL-17 PL-15: PL-15 is designed to fight the high-value targets like AWACS, tankers, and enemy fighters. PL-15 has a range of 200-300 km (export version PL-15E has a shorter range of 145 km). PL-15 can be launched from J-10C, J-20, J-16, J-11B, and JF-17 fighters. Combines inertial navigation, Beidou satellite updates, two-way datalink, and an active radar seeker with AESA technology. A PL-15E missile was recovered in India after being fired by Pakistan, leading to concerns about technological leaks, according to India Today. PL-17: PL-17 is designed for ultra-long-range engagements, potentially exceeding the range of the PL-15. According to the reports, the missiles have a range of 400 km, making it one of the farthest-reaching AAMs. Compared to other long-range AAMs, the PL-17 has larger size, measuring 6 meters (20 ft) in length. Relies on inertial guidance, satellite navigation, data-link, and a terminal seeker with active radar, passive sensors, and IR-homing. Seen on J-16 fighter jets. Its induction stage is unclear, with some reports suggesting it is in limited production or undergoing further testing.
India.com
06-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Is Pakistan buying Chinese J-35 stealth jets? Defence Minister Khawaja Asif makes BIG statement, says...
India and Pakistan still have a troubled and strained relationship riddled with political disputes, cross-border tensions, and a long history of conflict over Kashmir and terrorism. Following Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack, tensions have heightened between India and Pakistan. In an interview with Arab News, Khawaja Asif, Pakistan's Defence Minister, denied news reports on a possible deal with China on advanced J-35A stealth fighter jets. He further termed the reports as media speculation. In June 2025, international media outlets, including Bloomberg, reported that Pakistan was likely to become China's first foreign customer for the advanced J-35A stealth fighter jets, a standard fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft manufactured by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. After this report, shares in Chinese defence companies, specifically shares in AVC Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, jumped ten per cent. Speaking to Arab News, Khawaja Asif clearly denied the reports, stating, 'We are not buying them'. He dismissed the claims as mere media speculation, adding, 'I think it's only the media…It's good for Chinese Defence sales'. Regardless, several publications reported that Pakistan could be accepting the fighter jets — J-35A's, which are stealth fighter jets armed with the advanced PL-17 long-range, air-to-air missiles — in as little as a few months from now and as late as August 2025. Among other claims, there were reports of pilot training taking place in China along with assertions of the operational readiness of 30-40 aircraft. Reportedly, as well, China had also offered a 50% discount on a batch of 30. Pakistan has enjoyed a strategic alliance with China for more than a decade. The relationship rests on economic, military, and geopolitical engagement. Their defence relationship includes many joint projects such as the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, which China and Pakistan co-produced, and is currently used for combat operations by the Pakistan Air Force. Along with J-35A, the Joint Stealth Combat Drone, provides a major leap in tech capability beyond existing fighter platforms with stealth, modern avionics, and weapons systems. It is reported that Pakistan used Chinese fighter jets, PL-15 missiles, and drones during Operation Sindoor. At the same time, it is significant that the Chinese survey vessel, Da Yang Yi Hao, with advanced sensors, was present in the Indian Ocean, showcasing stronger ties in their strategic partnership. In addition to the Chinese military technology used in Sindoor, Pakistan has shown an increase in the tactical relationship with China by the use of Chinese air defence capabilities and satellite-based ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) support during Operation Sindoor. This reported pact surfaced up amidst Pakistan's persistent struggles with its economy. The federal government just recently raised its defence budget by 20%, thus announcing a total defence budget of PKR 2.5 trillion. But, simultaneously, it cancelled 118 development schemes worth PKR 1,000 billion and cut the overall national budget by 7% (to PKR 17.57 trillion or about $62 billion). About 80% of Pakistan's military equipment is acquired from China. In the recent conflicts with India, Pakistan employed equipment like the J-10C fighter jets and HQ-9 air defence missiles. The expected acquisition of the J-35A stealth fighter might also significantly bolster Pakistan's air and naval power; especially now that India's own fifth generation AMCA fighter jet is predicted to only become operational around 2035.
India.com
04-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
US launches new AIM-260 missile to counter Chinese PL-17, India betting on Russian R-37, who will win the race?
(REUTERS/File) New Delhi: The use of Chinese PL-15 air to air missile was seen in the recent India-Pakistan conflict. According to reports, China is currently working on PL-17 and PL-21 air to air missiles, whose capability will be much more than PL-15. At the same time, America has started working on AIM-260 to counter this power of China while India has decided to bet on Russian R-37. The main purpose of these missiles is to destroy the enemy's Airborne Early Warning System (AEW&C) aircraft, tanker aircraft and stealth fighter planes from a very long distance. What is AIM-260 missile? The US Navy and Air Force have sought about $670.5 million in purchase funding and $687 million in research and development funding for the AIM-260 air-to-air missile in the 2026 budget proposal. This will be the next variant of the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile. According to reports, the AIM-260 will include a ramjet or dual-pulse rocket motor, multi-mode seeker (infrared + active radar), two-way data link and electronic warfare resistant system, which will make it highly lethal and modern. The report said that it will first be used in America's F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft, but in future it will also be integrated into fighter aircraft like F-35 and F-15EX. The main purpose of AIM-260 is to develop the ability to attack from a longer distance against China's PL series missiles like PL-15, PL-17 and PL-21. AIM-260 vs PL-17 Missiles. When was AIM-260 conceptualised? It is claimed that with the double-seeker design, both the missile's accuracy and resistance to electronic warfare will be greatly enhanced. In addition, it will make it easier to target targets stealthily with a reduced radar footprint. That is, the US is preparing to integrate it into its stealth fighter aircraft. In February 2025, the US Navy publicly revealed the rendering of the next-generation long-range AIM-260, which gave many details about the external and guidance sections of the missile. Where does PL series stand? On the other hand, after the PL-15, China has now focused on extremely long-range air-to-air missiles like the PL-17 and PL-21. The PL-17 has been seen on the J-17 fighter jet and its range is believed to be around 400 kilometers, which is more than any current US missile. The guidance system of PL-17 includes inertial navigation, satellite guidance, data link and active radar seeker in the terminal phase. This missile has the capability to shoot down enemy AEW&C platforms like Boeing E-3D or Wedgetail without coming face to face. Recently, China had given PL-15 missiles to Pakistan, which it used against India. After this conflict, the demand for air to air missiles has increased further in the world. China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is developing very long range air to air missiles (VLRAAM) which can attack targets from a long distance. What about India? Russia is not behind in this ongoing race between China and America. Russia's R-37M missile already has the capability to strike from 150 to 400 km. This is also a BVR i.e. Beyond Visual Range missile. Russia designed this missile primarily for the MiG-31 interceptor, but now it is also being installed in aircraft like Su-30SM, Su-35S and Su-57. R-37M has advanced technologies like dual-pulse rocket motor, mid-course targeting update and dual-band radar seeker. By using it in the Ukraine war, Russia has been very successful in keeping Ukrainian fighters away from the battlefield. The Eurasian Times report says that India is talking to Russia to buy R-37M air to air missile. Russia has proposed to India to produce this missile in India itself under Make in India. At present the talks are going on. The report says that India will integrate it in its SU-30MKI fighter aircraft.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pakistan not getting Chinese J-35 stealth jets: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says reports are only media chatter
Khawaja Asif, Pakistan's Defence Minister, refuted reports of a J-35A fighter jet deal with China. Earlier reports suggested Pakistan would acquire 40 jets at a discounted price. Defence sources claimed pilot training had begun. The deal was questioned due to Pakistan's economic situation. China remains a key defence supplier for Pakistan. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Reports had claimed a discounted deal Contradictory details from defence sources Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Pakistan's economic constraints raise questions China remains key defence supplier Past remarks on Indian jets also drew criticism Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has denied reports that the country has signed a deal with China to acquire J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter jets. Speaking in a televised interview, Asif said there is no agreement between Pakistan and China for the purchase of the jets.'I think it is only in the media. It is good for sale, Chinese defence sales, you know,' said Khawaja Asif in response to a question about the reported delivery of the J-35A jets in media reports claimed that Pakistan was set to acquire 40 J-35A aircraft from China as early as August this year. The reports suggested the deal was being finalised at nearly half the standard export price, and that China was offering a major discount under what some described as a 'flash sale.'The J-35A is a twin-engine, multi-role, fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by China's Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It is equipped with long-range PL-17 missiles and an AESA radar system, and has been seen as China's competitor to the U.S. the minister's denial, defence sources earlier said that the Pakistan Air Force had approved the J-35A acquisition and that pilot training had begun in China. The proposed agreement was also reported to include liberal payment terms, with the first deliveries expected by August reported deal came at a time when Pakistan is under economic pressure. The federal government recently raised its defence budget by 20% to PKR 2.5 trillion. At the same time, it cancelled 118 development projects worth PKR 1,000 billion and reduced the overall national budget by 7% to PKR 17.57 trillion ($62 billion).About 80% of Pakistan's military inventory comes from China. Systems such as the J-10C fighter jets and HQ-9 air defence systems were used by Pakistan during its most recent conflict with India. The addition of the J-35A was expected to further boost Pakistan's air strength, especially with India's AMCA fifth-generation fighter project expected only by now, official confirmation of any J-35A deal remains is not the first time Khawaja Asif has made headlines over unverified defence claims. During a televised interview with CNN, when asked for proof of Pakistan downing Indian fighter jets during Operation Sindoor, the Defence Minister said, 'It's all over social media , on Indian social media, not on our social media. The debris of these jets fell into Kashmir. And it's all over Indian media today and they have admitted.' The anchor responded by saying they were not there to discuss social media chatter. Asif did not provide concrete evidence or specifics, including the type of aircraft involved, and loosely referenced Chinese-made JF-17 and JF-10 jets.
India.com
25-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
Big worry for India, US as China prepares to sell J-35A stealth multirole jet to..., fifth-generation fighter jet is capable of...
Big worry for India, US as China prepares to sell J-35A stealth multirole jet to..., fifth-generation fighter jet is capable of... China has started preparations to sell its new fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter jet, the Shenyang J-35A, in the global market. This jet is not only increasing China's military power but can also become a big threat to India in South Asia, especially when neighboring countries like Pakistan are buying it. Let's understand the features of this jet, its global sales plan and its threat to India. What is the J-35A stealth fighter jet?The J-35A is a modern fifth-generation stealth fighter jet built by China's Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC). It is developed from the FC-31 Gyrfalcon prototype, which was initially designed for export. There are two variants of this jet… This jet is designed for multiple missions like air superiority, ground attack and electronic warfare. It has special designs to reduce radar cross-section (RCS), such as S-shaped inlets and internal weapon bays. It can carry up to 8000 kg of weapons, including PL-17 (air-to-air missile with 400 km range).Its WS-13E or WS-19 turbofan engines can offer supercruise (supersonic speeds without afterburner) capability. China's global sales plan China publicly displayed the J-35A for the first time at the Zhuhai Airshow in November 2024. Now it is preparing to sell it in the global market. Pakistan first buyer: Pakistan has decided to buy 40 J-35A jets, deliveries of which may begin from August 2025. Pakistani pilots are already training in China. Other potential buyers: Egypt, countries in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia are also showing interest. Egypt recently displayed a model of the J-35 at an exhibition, indicating its interest. Strategy China wants to prove that the jet is 'combat-proven' with Pakistan to entice other countries to buy it. It is also offering incentives like a 50% discount and easy payment aims to compete with jets such as the US F-35, Russia's Su-57 and South Korea's KF-21. The J-35A is likely to cost less than the F-35, making it attractive to developing countries.
