New Delhi: India is continuously upgrading its defense systems. It has accelerated its efforts to develop missiles and fighter jets using indigenous technology. After analyzing the Chinese PL-15 missile, the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has decided to incorporate some of its advanced features into the Astra Mark-2 missile project being developed indigenously.

This move by the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) follows the analysis of a PL-15E missile fired by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. This missile, fired from a Pakistani Air Force JF-17 or J-10C fighter aircraft, was recovered in a field near Hoshiarpur, Punjab, and failed to hit its target.

PL-15 missile found in Punjab

The PL-15E missile was recovered intact from a field near Hoshiarpur, Punjab, on May 9, a rare intelligence opportunity for Indian defense scientists. Unlike Indian air-to-air missiles, the PL-15E missile was found unexploded due to the weapon’s lack of a self-destruct mechanism. Following this, its features were tested, and the DRDO has now decided to incorporate the PL-15 missile’s features into the Astra Mark-2 missile.

Chinese Weapon Has Several Outstanding Features

DRDO has not yet shared any details about its analysis report submitted to the Ministry of Defence. According to a Hindustan Times report, people familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the investigation revealed several outstanding features of the Chinese weapon. These include a miniaturized active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with advanced propellants capable of maintaining speeds in excess of Mach 5 and sophisticated anti-jamming. capabilities. All these advances, especially radar technology, are being incorporated into India’s indigenous Astra missile development program.

Pakistan Seeking to Acquire PL-17 Missile

The Pakistani Air Force is reportedly seeking to purchase long-range PL-17 missiles from China, 2,000 YIHA kamikaze drones from Turkey, and has also submitted a list of high-tech weapons to the United States States.

Meanwhile, Indian defense planners are moving forward with the purchase of additional Meteor missiles for Rafale fighter jets to ensure that the Indian Air Force does not face a shortage of numbers in the future. A next-generation BrahMos missile with a range of 800 kilometers is also being developed, which will cover almost all of Pakistan.