Photos of China’s advanced PL‑17 very long‑range air‑to‑air missile surface online

A full-size mock-up of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s (PLAAF) PL-17 very long-range air-to-air missile has appeared in imagery for the first time at close quarters. While the date and location of the display are unclear, the missile was shown on a stand at a tradeshow or exhibition with a J-20 stealth fighter promotional board in the background. The image appears authentic but cannot be independently verified.

The PL-17 was first publicly observed in 2016, initially referred to as PL-XX in the West, and later as PL-20 before the PL-17 designation was confirmed. Official PLAAF images from 2023 confirmed its operational status, showing the missile at a distance. The Western reporting name CH-AA-12 Auger has also been associated with the missile.

Pakistan used the PL-15E, an export variant of the PL-15 missile, against India during Operation Sindor. A fully intact missile was recovered in a farm near the international border, confirming the operational deployment of Chinese-origin missiles in the region.

Design, range and guidance features of PL-17

The PL-17 is a large missile, approximately 20 feet long, designed for very long-range engagements against high-value aerial targets such as tankers and airborne early warning aircraft. It reportedly uses a dual-pulse rocket motor, with tail fins and thrust-vectoring control, and can reach speeds of at least Mach 4. Estimated range is around 250 miles, though actual performance depends on engagement conditions. Guidance reportedly combines a two-way datalink with an AESA seeker and may include a passive anti-radiation seeker for targeting radar-equipped aircraft.

Operational deployment and carrier aircraft

So far, the PL-17 has only been seen carried by the J-16 fighter. Analysts assume it could be adapted for external carriage on the J-20, though it is considered too large for the J-10 or J-35. Future use may include the J-36 sixth-generation fighter, which features extensive internal weapons bays. Long-range deployment would likely rely on targeting data from airborne early warning aircraft, other fighters, ground-based radars, or satellites.

US response and long-range missile development

The capabilities of the PL-17 and other Chinese missiles have prompted the US military to accelerate long-range air-to-air missile development. Efforts include the classified AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile. Additionally, the US Navy has introduced an air-launched version of the Standard Missile-6, designated AIM-174B, with a range likely far exceeding that of the AIM-120D AMRAAM.

Ongoing unknowns and future disclosures

Many technical details of the PL-17 remain unverified. The appearance of a close-up mock-up suggests China may be willing to reveal some aspects of the missile. Further displays or official disclosures could provide more insight into its capabilities and operational role.