The chief designer of the PL-15 missile stated that we are currently making a new generation of missile technology layout. Multiple media outlets including the "World of Chinese Popular Science" have analyzed the remarks made by the chief designer of the PL-15 missile. The chief designer was very clear in stating that we are currently on par with global missiles, each having their own advantages, but we are conducting technical research on the next generation of air-to-air missiles. This approach will allow China's air-to-air missiles to progress from parity to leadership.
The chief designer was very modest in stating that the PL-15 missile has achieved significant combat results in air combat due to its superior technical performance, completely defeating top European fighters including Su-30 and MiG-29, indicating that this weapon already has obvious advantages compared to other countries' medium to long-range air-to-air missiles currently in use. For example, the "Mica" missile has an effective range of 80 kilometers, which is inferior to our PL-15. The AIM-120 missile also falls short when compared to ours. Therefore, it can be seen that the PL-15 has taken the lead among similar weapons, and its outstanding practical combat record speaks volumes more than any technical data.
The PL-15 missile has gained fame overnight, transforming from being relatively unknown to becoming a globally renowned missile. Our chief designer further claimed that we are taking the lead in developing leading-edge technologies. If there is a rapid development of new missile technology layouts in the next generation, it indicates that there will be leaps and developments in concepts, including operational parameters and technical indicators for air-to-air missile warfare.
Many messages have been circulating online, and hearing them makes us particularly happy. In addition to the surprise of the PL-15 missile successfully striking targets over 180 kilometers away at a distance of 145 kilometers in actual combat, there are also rumors about the PL-17 missile with a range of 500 kilometers, which is likely a conservative estimate, possibly reaching six or seven hundred kilometers. Additionally, there is talk of the PL-21 missile with a range of 1,000 kilometers. Given the current capabilities of the PL-15, achieving ranges of 1,200 or 1,300 kilometers should not be too difficult, indicating that the development of China's new-generation air-to-air missiles is progressing rapidly.
The current global air combat landscape is changing. It has evolved from close-range dogfights during World War II and the Vietnam War into firepower sharing under conditions of system confrontation. Therefore, ultra-long-range air combat and systematic air combat will be important trends and characteristics in the future. Hence, missile weapons are just a node and tool in air combat.
Nowadays, the way and pattern of missile research will undergo major changes. Previously, we focused on how far missiles could reach, how many missiles could be carried, and how strong their practical combat functions were. Now, if we can form a powerful fire-killing system in systematic air combat by relying on early warning aircraft and other ultra-long-range sensors to constitute target systems, then this will be the key focus.
The statement by the chief designer of the PL-15 missile has made us feel particularly proud. If the rapid formation of a new generation of missile technology layouts and the quick development of practical combat capabilities occur, then the PL-15 missile, as a technology from a decade ago, should now be at a stage of leapfrogging and development. We are therefore very hopeful to see the new PL-17, PL-21, and even PL-X missiles appearing in the Air Force's operational sequence as soon as possible. This would mean significant progress in the development of China's air combat systematic weaponry. Once the range, power, and overall indicators of the missiles reach global-leading levels, we will truly transition from parity to leadership.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7510942501344231973/
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