Ahead of its much-hyped and keenly-awaited Zhuhai Air Show, China sprang another surprise and unveiled the brand-new PL-15E missile with a “folding tail” structure. Six of these missiles could be loaded on its stealth fighters—the J-20 Mighty Dragon and the latest J-35A—considerably increasing their firepower. 

The PL-15E is a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) with a compact, foldable fin design. China’s development of such a missile demonstrates its giant strides in enhancing its air-to-air combat capability.

As the photo of the missile emerged on social media, military analysts observed that with the foldable-fin design of the PL-15E, the J-20 Mighty Dragon and J-35A could carry six of these missiles in their internal weapons bay. This would signify a major upgrade for the J-20 Mighty Dragon, which currently carries just four PL-15 missiles in the concealed weapons bay in its underbelly.

The PL-15E is believed to be a powerful weapon that combines state-of-the-art technology with advanced aerodynamics. In essence, the missile is intended to give Chinese fighter jets a distinct edge in long-range combat and increase the firepower of their combat jets without sacrificing their stealth characteristics.

Interestingly, the Pentagon’s annual China Military Power Report, published in mid-October last year, stated that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) was preparing upgrades for the J-20, which may include increasing the number of air-to-air missiles (AAM) the fighter can carry in its low-observable configuration.

As previously explained by Indian Air Force veteran and military analyst Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retd), the ability for stealthy platforms to carry more internally is an indispensable need for modern air forces as the “one who controls the aerospace controls the planet.”

Escalating tensions in at least two significant hotspots in the Indo-Pacific—the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait—have enhanced the possibility of conflict between the US and China. Thus, both sides are preparing for a potential battle or at least a limited-armed showdown.

For lack of information, it is unclear whether this missile has the same features as the PL-15, considered an analog of the US AIM-120, and has an estimated range of 200 to 300 kilometers. The LETRI PiLi, commonly known as the PL-15, is an uber-sophisticated long-range beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile (AAM). 

Popular PLA watcher and analyst Rick Joe asked on X whether this new missile has the same guidance and propeller as the PL-15. He also wondered whether the PLA was developing another BVRAAM. Previous reports indicated that the PLA was developing the PL-16, an advanced long-range air-to-air missile, and a very long-range missile dubbed the PL-17.

That said, military observers were taken aback and perplexed by the PL-15E designation for this specific missile, which was previously anticipated to be called PL-16. The PL-15E designation was thought to refer to the export version of the PL-15 missile, which was modified to have a 145-kilometer range instead of the PL-15’s 200+-kilometer range.

In addition, a new set of photos of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) Pavilion at the Zhuhai Air Show was published on November 10. The photos featured a scale model of the twin-seater J-20 for the first time. The mock-up of the new jet was also accompanied by a PL-15E missile.

China’s Twin-Seater J-20 Is Here 

China presented a scale model of the J-20S, a two-seat version of the J-20 stealth fighter jet, at the Airshow China 2024 exhibition hall. The J-20S is the world’s first-ever twin-seater stealth aircraft and was photographed with the PL-15E missile. The model of the J-20S will be displayed at the air show for viewing.

A Chinese military analyst, Zhang Xuefeng, told the Global Times that the J-20S could be used as a command plane to coordinate loyal wingman drones flying with the stealth fighter in a manned-unmanned teaming configuration.

The J-20S is a new generation, medium-to-long-range, two-seat heavy multirole stealth fighter jet developed independently by China. The AVIC told the Global Times that the aircraft can conduct precision strikes on land and sea targets and carry out medium-to-long-range air superiority operations.  

The J-20S, which is based on the J-20 Mighty Dragon, has improved capabilities in electronic disruption, situational awareness, and tactical command and control. The aircraft can conduct both manned and unmanned collaborative combat.

Zhang explained that earlier single-seat fighter jets evolved into two-seater variants because the two-seat fighter jets allowed senior pilots to train new pilots on the same aircraft, allowing a second pilot to handle complex operations like radar detection and missile attack.

However, Zhang added that adding a second pilot to operate the aircraft offers significant tactical advantages, especially with fifth-generation fighter jets with rich information and network systems, automatic data processing systems, and AI technologies.

He explained that the additional pilot could also help with command and coordination between the manned fighter jet and loyal wingman drones.

Earlier, US-based experts speculated that the twin-seater J-20S is being considered for use in autonomous escort aircraft control. In fact, multiple reports published over the last two years have indicated that the twin-seater model could be used as a tactical electronic jammer and an advanced early warning aircraft in the future battlefield.

While the specifications and exact role of the J-20S remain shrouded in secrecy for now, the unveiling of the jet indicates that Beijing is upgrading its air force at an unexpected pace. The J-20, for one, is the mainstay of the PLA Air Force, and it is only becoming more lethal.

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