DRDO analysed recovered Chinese PL-15E missile from Op Sindoor; AESA radar and Mach-5 propulsion to inform Astra Mark-2 upgrades and long-range planning.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has completed a technical review of a recovered Chinese PL-15E long-range air-to-air missile and plans to incorporate select technologies into India’s indigenous Astra Mark-2 programme. The unexploded PL-15E was found near Hoshiarpur on May 9 after being fired from across the border during Operation Sindoor, offering Indian scientists an unusual chance to study an advanced export variant at close range.
Preliminary analysis identified a compact active electronically scanned array (AESA) seeker, advanced propellant performance capable of sustaining speeds beyond Mach 5, and strong anti-jamming features — elements that DRDO engineers now aim to adapt where compatible with Astra Mark-2 design parameters. Incorporating such capabilities would boost India’s beyond-visual-range kill envelope and electronic resilience, while remaining within India’s operational doctrine and safety standards.
Officials say the PL-15E’s intact recovery was possible because the weapon lacks the self-destruct mechanism present in many Western and Indian missiles; that failure created a rare intelligence windfall that could shorten development cycles for next-generation seekers and propulsion. The DRDO review complements parallel procurement moves — including talks to buy more Meteor missiles for Rafale squadrons and continued work on longer-range BrahMos variants — to ensure the Indian Air Force is not numerically or technologically constrained in future confrontations.
Strategists caution that co-option of foreign technologies requires careful testing and integration to avoid system incompatibilities, while defence planners stress this step accelerates indigenisation by yielding concrete design targets for radar, propellant and electronic counter-countermeasure upgrades. As India refines Astra Mark-2 specifications, the recovery and analysis of the PL-15E will remain a key reference point for missile engineers and military planners.
