Key facts
- China's PL-16 missile is claimed to have a range exceeding 300 km.
- The missile will reportedly use a variable-thrust rocket motor.
- It is expected to feature an AESA radar seeker and a two-way data link.
- The PL-16's claimed range surpasses the PL-15 (approx. 200 km) and US AIM-120D (approx. 180 km).
An unverified image circulating online suggests China's next-generation PL-16 air-to-air missile could possess a range exceeding 300 kilometers. This advancement is reportedly enabled by a variable-thrust rocket motor. The missile is also expected to incorporate an AESA radar seeker and a two-way data link, enhancing its operational capabilities. For comparison, China's current PL-15 missile has an estimated range of approximately 200 km, while the US AIM-120D is estimated to have a range of about 180 km. The US is also developing the AIM-260 missile, with officials citing China's PL-15 as a driver for its development.