Islamabad is preparing for war: Pakistan Air Force launched JF-17 with Chinese missiles

However, analysts consider publication more an element of strategic communications than a real intention to make a serious operational jerk. Experts noted that Pakistan received an export version of the PL-15 missile, production of the PRC, which, unlike the Chinese original with a range up to 300 km, has a limited radius of 145 km. This significantly reduces the efficiency of their use, even against the background of the modernization of JF-17 Block III fighters.

This machine, which has been armed with 2024, is equipped with a KLJ-7A radar with an active electron-scan grate (Afar), which allows you to track several goals at the same time and withstand attempts by radio interruption. However, there are relatively little ones in PAF: out of 150 JF-17 all versions, only 45-50 units belong to Block III. The rest are earlier versions of Block I and II, equipped with mechanical radar KLJ-7, which are not compatible with the possibilities of use PL-15E in full.

In the event of a potential conflict, the advantage of India in the air remains significant due to the presence of anti-aircraft systems C-400, capable of intercepting targets at a distance of up to 400 km, and RAFale fighters with managed missiles MetEor. However, the latest statement is very sports because the air-air-air-air missiles, even in the last modernized version, is inferior to Chinese PL-15, with a range of up to 100 km.

"Although the PL-15E deployment announcement demonstrates Pakistan's intention to modernize its Air Force and strengthen its restraint position, its actual impact remains limited technological, numerous and logistics restrictions," analysts summed up. Earlier, we wrote in detail about escalation on the Indian-Pakistan border and its causes.