China’s PL-15 missile has downed Rafale jets. Is the PL-16 even more powerful?

China’s latest air-to-air missile, the PL-16, could have a range of more than 300km (186 miles) thanks to a variable-thrust rocket motor, according to an unverified image being circulated online. It comes weeks after the first image emerged of the US Air Force’s new AIM-260 air-to-air missile – a joint advanced tactical missile with a range of at least 193km (120 miles). It is not clear when the AIM-260 will enter service, but US officials have cited China’s PL-15 missile as a key driver for ...

By Liu Zhen