ISLAMABAD: In a significant development for India’s defence capabilities,the Defence Research and Development Organisation has begun integratingadvanced technologies from a recovered Chinese PL-15E air-to-air missileseeker into the Astra Mk-2 programme, India media has reported. Themissile, fired by a Pakistan Air Force fighter during the intense aerialengagements of Operation Sindoor in May 2025, providing Indian scientistswith rare access to one of China’s most sophisticated beyond-visual-rangeweapons. This intelligence windfall has accelerated enhancements in seekertechnology and propulsion systems.
Operation Sindoor, launched by India in response to a terrorist attack inPahalgam that claimed 26 lives, escalated into brief but fierce airbattles. Pakistani J-10C and JF-17 aircraft employed the PL-15E, markingits combat debut. DRDO experts have since conducted detailed analysis,revealing superior features in the missile’s active electronically scannedarray seeker.
The PL-15E’s miniaturised AESA seeker offers enhanced target discriminationand resistance to electronic jamming. Indian analysts note its ability tooperate in contested electromagnetic environments, a critical advantage inmodern aerial warfare. Incorporating similar architectures into the AstraMk-2 will improve multi-target tracking and anti-jamming capabilities,ensuring better performance against low-observable threats.
Propulsion advancements in the PL-15E have also drawn attention. Itsdual-pulse solid rocket motor sustains speeds exceeding Mach 5, providingsuperior endgame energy retention. DRDO is adapting refined propellantformulations to extend the Astra Mk-2’s range beyond 160 kilometres whilemaintaining high kinematic performance at terminal phases.
Anti-jamming features in the PL-15E include home-on-jam modes andsophisticated electronic counter-countermeasures. These are being studiedto bolster the Astra Mk-2’s resilience against enemy electronic warfaresystems, a growing concern given regional adversaries’ investments injamming pods and decoys.The recovery occurred amid claims of aerialvictories on both sides during Operation Sindoor. Pakistan asserted downingIndian jets using PL-15E.
DRDO’s integration efforts align with India’s push for self-reliance indefence. The Astra Mk-2, already featuring indigenous dual-pulse motors andAESA seekers, will benefit from these insights, potentially achievingranges over 200 kilometres in future iterations.
Strategic implications extend beyond technical upgrades. This developmentcounters Pakistan’s PL-15E-equipped fleet and addresses broader threatsfrom Chinese air forces. Enhanced Astra variants will equip Su-30MKI,Tejas, and future platforms, restoring parity in beyond-visual-range combat.
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Experts view this as a pragmatic approach to reverse-engineering adversarytechnology, common in global defence research. The findings may also informcountermeasures against PL-15 series missiles deployed by regional powers.
As testing progresses, the upgraded Astra Mk-2 is expected to enter servicesoon, marking a milestone in India’s quest for advanced air dominancecapabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics.
Source:https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drdo-analyses-chinese-pl-15-missile-astra-ii-will-co-opt-its-advanced-tech-101760751326571.html
Tags: India, China, Pakistan, DRDO, Astra Mk-2, PL-15, Operation Sindoor
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