Newly surfaced images have confirmed that Pakistan has armed its JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets with the Chinese-origin PL-15E long-range air-to-air missile, significantly boosting the platform’s beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capabilities.
The PL-15E, the export variant of China’s advanced PL-15 missile, has an effective range of 145 kilometers and is equipped with an active radar seeker and strong electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM). Designed and developed by China’s Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC), the PL-15E is among the most capable BVR missiles available for export.
This development means that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) now operates two combat aircraft platforms capable of deploying the PL-15E: the newly inducted JF-17 Block-III (also referred to as JF-17C) and the J-10CE — both of which are equipped with advanced avionics, including AESA radars, to fully utilize the missile’s potential.
High-resolution images from a PAF airbase clearly show PL-15E missiles mounted on the underwing pylons of operational JF-17 Block-III jets. This visual confirmation follows reports of a recent procurement deal between Islamabad and Beijing, aimed at enhancing the range and lethality of PAF’s fighter fleet.
The JF-17 Block-III, co-developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, is the most advanced variant of the Thunder series, featuring the KLJ-7A AESA radar, upgraded cockpit systems, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities.
With both the J-10CE and JF-17C now fielding the PL-15E, the PAF has significantly expanded its air-to-air engagement range, providing a critical edge in any potential aerial conflict. This move reflects Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its defensive posture through the integration of high-performance Chinese missile technologies.
