The new air-to-air missile carried by the Chinese J-16 fighter jet has attracted the attention of the American "War Zone"**. According to the ** released by the Chinese People's Liberation Army, four J-16 fighters carried various types of air-to-air missiles, covering the range of attacks from close to ultra-long-range. Among them, the large PL-17 air-to-air missiles carried by the two J-16 fighters are particularly eye-catching, marking China's significant progress in air-to-air missile technology and unprecedented range capabilities. According to reports, the PL-17 missile, also known as PL-XX or PL-20, is an important achievement of China's air-to-air missile project, which has been unveiled for 7 years. Unlike the PL-15 missile, the PL-17 is generally considered by the West to be an ultra-long-range air-to-air missile, specifically designed to strike high-value targets such as tankers and AWACS. The PL-17 uses a twin-pulse rocket engine, which is relatively technically easier to master, larger in size than the PL-15, nearly 20 feet (about 6 meters) in length, has a range of more than 186 miles (about 300 kilometers), and can reach a top speed of at least Mach 4.
Its guidance system combines a two-way data link and an active phased array radar seeker for powerful anti-jamming capabilities. Due to the extremely long range of the PL-17, it often relies on target data provided by distant platforms, such as AWACS, other aircraft and even satellites. The missile may have been flanked by an optical window, suggesting that the PL-17 may also be equipped with an additional infrared seeker, making it more difficult to get rid of at the final stage of the range. At present, due to its large size, the PL-17 can only be externally mounted. The advent of China's new air-to-air missile PL-17 has aroused widespread concern in the global military circles, especially the United States, which has expressed serious concern about it. The PL-17 was first spotted on the J-16 in November 2016, but it is possible that it will be compatible with other Chinese Flanker series fighters and is expected to be equipped on advanced fighters such as the J-20. The U.S. side's apprehensions prompted them to rapidly deploy highly classified long-range air-to-air missile programs such as the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile.
This major development will have far-reaching implications for global military strategy, particularly in terms of strategy and tactics of air warfare. The design and capabilities of the PL-17 fully demonstrate the technological progress of the Chinese Air Force in the field of modern air combat, especially in ultra-long-range strike capabilities. The missile not only enhances China's ability to strike against high-value targets, but also may change the tactics and tactics of future air combat. The range and speed characteristics of the PL-17 allow it to strike outside the effective range of enemy air defense systems, which significantly reduces the risk to pilots. The combination of its two-way data link and active phased array radar seeker, as well as possibly an infrared seeker, makes it a highly flexible and difficult system to intercept. The application of this advanced guidance technology enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of the missile, especially in a complex electronic warfare environment. The United States and its allies showed great concern for the development of the PL-17 missile. The concerns of the United States have not only promoted the development of long-range air-to-air missile programs such as the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, but also prompted the United States and its allies to accelerate their own military technological innovation.
Such a technological race could trigger a series of arms races that would affect the global military balance, particularly in terms of air superiority and strategic strike capabilities. China's breakthrough in this advanced long-range air-to-air missile technology means that the tactics of future air warfare could change significantly. Future air warfare is likely to rely more on long-range strike capabilities and advanced sensor technology, which could lead to a shift in the focus of air combat from mere pilot skills to sophisticated information warfare and electronic warfare. The development of the PL-17 missile will have a profound impact on the strategic and tactical layout of the Chinese Air Force. The enhanced capabilities of this long-range missile mean that the Chinese Air Force can more effectively deter and strike enemy targets, and is able to maintain a greater safe distance. This increase in capabilities will give the Chinese Air Force more tactical options and flexibility, as well as greater influence in military operations within and outside the region. The emergence and deployment of PL-17 missiles reflects the complexity and uncertainty of the current international security environment. As countries continue to promote the development and innovation of military technology, the dynamic balance of international security is constantly changing.
This requires the international community, especially the major powers, to deal more responsibly with military technological innovations in order to reduce the risk of misunderstanding and conflict and promote global stability and peace.