TL;DR: India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7-8, 2025, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. During subsequent aerial clashes, a Chinese PL-15E missile, fired by a Pakistani jet, landed intact in Punjab. India’s DRDO is now reverse-engineering the missile to enhance its own Astra Mk-2 program.
Operation Sindoor: Retaliatory Strikes
- India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7-8, 2025, targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and PoK linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
- The operation responded to the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22, 2025), which killed 26 civilians.
- Strikes focused on terror camps in Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, and Muridke, avoiding Pakistani military targets initially.
- Pakistan retaliated with drone and missile strikes, which India successfully intercepted.
- A ceasefire was reached on May 10, but Pakistan continued drone intrusions, which were neutralized by India.
- PM Narendra Modi directed the operation, emphasizing “firm action with strategic restraint.”
PL-15E Missile Incident
- On May 9, 2025, a Chinese-made PL-15E air-to-air missile was found near Kamahi Devi village, Hoshiarpur, Punjab.
- The missile was fired from a Pakistani JF-17 or J-10C jet, missed its target, and fell intact due to lack of a self-destruct mechanism.
- Specs of PL-15E:
- Range: 145 km
- Speed: Mach 5+
- AESA radar seeker and anti-jamming features.
- The missile’s recovery was described as a “rare intelligence opportunity” for India.
DRDO Analysis and Reverse Engineering
- The DRDO secured and analyzed the missile’s radar, propulsion, and electronic systems.
- Key features being adapted for the Astra Mk-2 program:
- AESA radar technology
- Dual-pulse propulsion for extended range
- Advanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM).
- This enhances India’s air combat capabilities against Pakistan’s PL-17 and Chinese aerial systems.
Strategic and Geopolitical Implications
- The incident highlights China’s deepening defense ties with Pakistan.
- Reverse-engineering PL-15E gives India a technological edge and accelerates indigenous missile development.
- Pakistan is reportedly seeking longer-range PL-17 missiles and Turkish drones.
- India is reinforcing its arsenal with Meteor, BrahMos, and Astra Mk-2 missiles to maintain air superiority.
Aftermath and Ongoing Developments
- Pakistan downplayed the missile incident as a “technical failure.”
- DRDO’s findings remain classified, but officials confirmed integration of advanced tech into India’s defense programs.
- Strategic planners note that future engagements will prioritize long-range precision strikes outside enemy air defense zones.
- The missile’s recovery is compared to past intelligence windfalls, marking a significant boost to India’s air warfare capabilities.