Chinese PL-15E Missile Debris Found in India After India-Pakistan Aerial Clash; Nations Move to De-escalate

On May 6–7, 2025, Pakistan used Chinese-made PL-15E missiles in a major aerial clash with India, marking their first combat use. Pakistani J-10C, JF-17, and F-16 jets launched the missiles during a dogfight involving over 100 aircraft. Debris from a PL-15E missile was found in Punjab, India, drawing international attention. The clash led to reciprocal missile strikes on military bases. Both nations have signaled a willingness to de-escalate, with global powers urging restraint.

First Combat Use of PL-15E Confirmed

The PL-15E, an export variant of China’s PL-15 active-radar-guided air-to-air missile, was used by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during the aerial engagement with Indian forces. Pakistani officials confirmed at a press conference that their J-10C and JF-17 fighters, along with U.S.-supplied F-16 Vipers, participated in the operation and employed the PL-15E missile. The missile, which has a reported export range of 90 miles, is designed for beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements and features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar seeker.

This marks the first known combat use of any variant of the PL-15 missile, a significant milestone for Chinese missile technology. The missile is considered a peer to the U.S. AIM-120 AMRAAM and is a key component of China’s modern air-to-air arsenal.

Missile Debris Recovered in India

Following the aerial battle, parts of a PL-15E missile were discovered in the Hoshiarpur district of Punjab, India, near the village of Kamahi Devi. Indian Army and Air Force personnel secured the site and reportedly deactivated the missile. Images and video from the scene show the rear section of the missile and what appears to be part of its guidance system lying intact on the ground.

Smaller fragments of the missile were also found in other parts of Punjab, suggesting multiple launches or mid-air failures. The relatively intact condition of the missile components has raised the possibility of intelligence exploitation. Analysts note that even expended or damaged missile parts can yield valuable insights into the missile’s propulsion, guidance, and electronic warfare resistance capabilities.

Scale of the Aerial Engagement

The aerial clash has been described as one of the largest dogfights since the Gulf War, with 125 aircraft reportedly involved. According to Pakistani claims, 42 of their fighters engaged 72 Indian jets, resulting in the downing of five Indian aircraft: three French-made Dassault Rafales, one Russian-made Su-30MKI, and one MiG-29 Fulcrum. Pakistan also claimed to have downed an Indian drone.

While Pakistan has released radar data and audio recordings to support its claims, independent verification remains limited. Visual evidence confirms the loss of at least one Indian Rafale. India has not officially confirmed the extent of its losses but has acknowledged the engagement and subsequent missile strikes.

Tactical Use of Long-Range Missiles

Military analysts suggest that the PL-15E missiles were likely fired in long-range, fire-and-forget mode, with limited mid-course guidance due to the constraints of operating near the heavily monitored border. Neither side reportedly crossed into the other’s airspace, indicating that the missiles were launched from standoff distances. This tactic reduces the risk to the launching aircraft but also lowers the probability of a successful hit, potentially explaining why some missiles fell to the ground relatively intact.

The PL-15E’s AESA radar seeker and dual-pulse rocket motor make it a formidable weapon in BVR combat. Its use in this engagement underscores Pakistan’s increasing reliance on Chinese military technology, a shift from its previous dependence on U.S.-supplied systems.

Intelligence Implications

The recovery of PL-15E components in India presents a rare opportunity for intelligence gathering. The missile’s AESA seeker, data link systems, and propulsion components are of particular interest to India and its allies, including the United States. Such intelligence could inform the development of countermeasures and improve understanding of China’s missile production capabilities.

India may choose to share the recovered components with partners for further analysis. The U.S. Foreign Materiel Exploitation (FME) program, which specializes in analyzing foreign weapon systems, is likely to be interested in any data India can provide.

Escalation and Retaliatory Strikes

The aerial clash quickly escalated into a broader exchange of missile strikes. India launched air-to-surface missiles targeting multiple Pakistani airbases, including Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, Mureed Airbase, and Shorkot. Satellite imagery and local reports suggest that a Pakistani C-130 transport aircraft may have been damaged or destroyed in the strikes.

Pakistan responded with retaliatory missile attacks on Indian military installations. Both sides have claimed to intercept incoming missiles, and there are reports of drone shootdowns and precision strikes on military infrastructure.

Diplomatic Efforts to De-escalate

Despite the intensity of the conflict, both India and Pakistan have signaled a willingness to de-escalate. Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated in an interview that “if India stops, we will stop,” while India’s Wing Commander Vyomika Singh emphasized that India remains committed to “non-escalation” if Pakistan reciprocates.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken with both Indian and Pakistani officials, urging restraint and offering American support for dialogue. The G7 foreign ministers have also called for immediate de-escalation, warning of the risks of further conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

Chinese PL-15E Missile Debris Found in India After India-Pakistan Aerial Clash; Nations Move to De-escalate

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