After weeks of rising tensions between the two nuclear powers, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation “Sindoor” yesterday, targeting sites designated as terrorist positions in Pakistan with a combination of missiles, drones, and artillery. The response from the Pakistani military was swift, with combat aircraft and artillery strikes being deployed—highlighting what appears to be the first recorded combat use of the Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles.
Throughout the day, both sides reported the downing of combat aircraft, while social media was flooded with images and videos of what appeared to be crashed fighter jets and remnants of the weapons used in the attacks.
This last point is particularly noteworthy, as various defense analysts have confirmed that some of the recovered debris corresponds to the long-range PL-15 air-to-air missile, supplied by China to Pakistan as part of the arsenal fielded by the Chengdu J-10CE and JF-17 Thunder Block III fighters.
Powered by a dual-pulse rocket motor, the PL-15 is estimated by Western sources to have a range of nearly 200 kilometers. It features an AESA-type radar seeker and a data-link system that allows for real-time target updates from the launching platform and pilot.
The PL-15’s capabilities led China to develop export versions for allied nations such as Pakistan, which is a major buyer of Chinese weapons due to its recurring tensions with India. Among its latest acquisitions are the J-10CE and the JF-17 Thunder—an aircraft jointly developed by the two countries.
This information gained greater relevance just days before the launch of Operation Sindoor, when the Pakistan Air Force confirmed that its latest JF-17 Thunder Block III variant is now equipped with the PL-15 missile, which is also used on the J-10CE.
As the situation unfolded, images began to emerge from India’s Hoshiarpur district showing debris believed to be parts of a PL-15 missile fuselage, including what appears to be fragments of an AESA radar seeker.
So far, aside from official statements, the discovery of this debris has fueled speculation—especially after French intelligence reportedly confirmed to Western media that an Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jet had been downed during the day.
Subsequent images showing debris from the aircraft, including a vertical stabilizer bearing the serial number BS-001—corresponding to one of India’s Rafale fighters—seem to confirm that a French-made jet was either shot down or crashed, although it remains too early to conclusively link the incident to the use of the Chinese-made air-to-air missile.
Currently, reports emerging from both India and Pakistan remain unclear and of uncertain credibility, as military operations and troop mobilizations continue to intensify. Uncertainty persists during these early days of Operation Sindoor, as observers await greater clarity once the fog of war begins to lift.
*Cover image used for illustrative purposes.
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