According to a report by Eurasia Times on October 19, India discovered a "completely unexploded" Chinese-made PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile during the May India-Pakistan air battle. India may study it and promote the development of its "Astra Mark-2" (Astra Mark-2) missile. It is reported that this PL-15E missile might have been launched by a Pakistani aircraft, but it missed its target and fell into Punjab province in India. Analysts said that when the missile was found, it remained intact, indicating that its self-destruct mechanism did not activate. This is described as a "technical feast" and a "major victory for Indian intelligence," indicating that the missile has technical flaws and has not reached the standard of a mature weapon. Currently, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of India is disassembling and studying the found PL-15E missile, and will apply the research findings to the development of the indigenous "Astra Mark-2" missile. Analysis points out that the reason for India's loss of some aircraft in combat may be "underestimating the range and performance of the PL-15 missile." This acquisition will help India better assess the capabilities of Chinese missiles and formulate targeted countermeasures and operational strategies. In addition, some analysts pointed out that this will allow India to obtain complete information about core components such as the active electronically scanned array radar (AESA) and dual-pulse engine of the missile. The relevant research findings may give the Indian Air Force a significant advantage in the future. It has been reported that France and Japan have expressed interest in obtaining core confidential information of the PL-15 missile, and the United States may also be "so." It is reported that the Indian "Astra Mark-2" missile development project is awaiting approval from the Ministry of Defense, and it is expected to be equipped with the Su-30MKI (Sukhoi Su-30MKI) aircraft and the domestically produced light fighter aircraft (LCA) "Tejas" fleet.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846574843841548/
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