Indian Defence Journalist Shiv Aroor’s PL-15 Claim Doesn’t Add Up

Indian defence journalist Shiv Aroor claimed a Chinese PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile was recovered intact in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, allegedly fired from a Pakistani JF-17 and failed to detonate.

Screenshot of Shiv Aroor’s post.

However, a technical analysis of the PL-15 raises serious doubts about this assertion:

PL-15 Technical Specifications:

• Length: ~3.996 metres
• Diameter: ~0.203 metres
• Weight: ~210 kg
• Speed: Mach 4+
• Range: Up to 300 km (domestic); ~145 km (export variant – PL-15E)
• Intended Use: Air-to-air engagements only, not ground attack.

This is a large, heavy, radar-guided AAM designed to destroy enemy aircraft at long ranges. The idea that such a missile was “fired” and landed in an Indian town without detonation lacks credibility unless backed by verifiable photographic and forensic evidence. Note the missile to human size comparison on the screenshot of the social media post.

Moreover, Pakistan’s JF-17 Block III aircraft are reportedly compatible with the PL-15, but actual deployment in combat remains limited and unverified. India has provided no official confirmation, only social media speculation.

Conclusion: Without verified imagery, crash site analysis, or official confirmation, this claim remains unsubstantiated. Size, role, and usage patterns of the PL-15 make its alleged presence in Hoshiarpur highly unlikely.

Fully intact Chinese PL-15 long range air-to-air missile recovered from Hoshiarpur, Punjab. Obviously fired from a PAF jet, likely a JF-17—Failed to detonate.

Yesterday HQ-9B AD system gets smoked in Lahore by an 🇮🇳Harop, now this. Tells you a bit about Chinese weapons quality🥲 pic.twitter.com/PUfTHSTILA

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) May 9, 2025

References:

• Army Recognition (2023). China reveals manufacturing process of its PL-15 missile. [online] Available at: https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2023/china-reveals-manufacturing-process-of-its-pl-15-air-to-air-missile [Accessed 9 May 2025].
• Defence Security Asia (2024). Pakistan Arms JF-17 Thunder With China’s Deadly PL-15 Missiles. [online] Available at: https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/pakistan-arms-jf-17-thunder-with-chinas-deadly-pl-15-missiles-amidst-kashmir-crisis [Accessed 9 May 2025].
• Eurasian Times (2024). J-20 Spotted In “Beast Mode” With PL-15 Missiles. [online] Available at: https://www.eurasiantimes.com/j-20-spotted-in-beast-mode-carrying-pl-15-long [Accessed 9 May 2025].
• X.com (2025). Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor). Obviously fired from a PAF jet, likely a JF-17—Failed to detonate. [online] Available at: https://x.com/ShivAroor/status/1920709205507338582 [Accessed 9 May 2025].
• Wikipedia (2024). PL-15. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PL-15 [Accessed 9 May 2025].