China’s PL-15E Missile Debris Recovered in India: A New Opportunity for Reverse Engineering?

New Delhi | On the night of May 6–7, under Operation Sindoor, India launched powerful airstrikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. India deployed Rafale, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, and SU-30 MKI jets equipped with BrahMos, SCALP-EG cruise missiles, and Meteor air-to-air missiles.

In retaliation, Pakistan used Chinese-origin JF-17 and J-10C fighter jets, armed with PL-15E air-to-air missiles, which failed to hit their intended targets. One such PL-15E missile crashed near Kamahi Devi village in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, and the debris was recovered by Indian authorities.

China’s Advanced PL-15E Missile Now in India’s Hands

The PL-15E, developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), is a long-range radar-guided air-to-air missile. The recovered debris includes critical components such as the dual-pulse motor, propulsion system, inertial unit, data link, and AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar.

Indian defense scientists now have access to this cutting-edge missile technology, raising the prospect of reverse engineering to boost India’s own Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile programs, such as the upgraded Astra missile.

How Reverse Engineering Will Help India

Reverse engineering involves dismantling a device to study its internal design and mechanisms. This process can help India replicate or improve upon the Chinese missile’s technology, addressing current limitations in its missile programs and strengthening indigenous defense R&D.

Why ‘Five Eyes’ and Asian Nations Are Interested

The Five Eyes intelligence alliance (U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand), along with Japan and South Korea, have shown interest in studying the PL-15E debris—particularly its AESA radar and dual-pulse motor design.

This global curiosity highlights serious concerns around China’s military exports, especially as these technologies were meant to remain proprietary.

China and Pakistan's Deepening Military Nexus

According to SIPRI, 82% of Pakistan’s weapons imports between 2019–23 came from China. These include:

• Over 50% of Pakistan’s 400+ fighter jets (JF-17, J-10C)

• HQ-9 air defense systems

• PL-15E missiles

China reportedly expedited delivery of PL-15E missiles to Pakistan during heightened India-China tensions. This underscores the deep strategic military alliance between Beijing and Islamabad.

Global Setback for China’s Image

The crash of PL-15E in India is not just a tactical loss, but a strategic embarrassment for China, potentially exposing its advanced military secrets. The missile’s failure and debris recovery could weaken global confidence in Chinese weaponry.

China’s Ministry of Defense acknowledged the PL-15E’s use for the first time but avoided answering questions on its performance, instead calling for “calm” between India and Pakistan.

India’s Strategic Advantage

With this debris, India gets a unique opportunity to:

• Study Chinese tech in real-time

• Strengthen its own missile development

• Close existing technological gaps

• Signal strength in regional military dominance

India’s strategic use of reverse engineering could lead to rapid advancements in defense technology and reduce dependency on imports.