In the advanced capabilities of China’s military aviation technology, the first clear image of a fifth-generation J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighter jet launching a PL-10 short-range air-to-air missile (AAM) has surfaced. The photo, believed to have originated from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)’s official Weibo account, reveals the missile emerging from the jet’s right-side internal weapons bay, proudly marked with the PLAAF logo.

The release of this image is not just a testament to China’s advanced air combat engineering but also a rare opportunity for aviation enthusiasts and defense analysts to gain insight into the mechanics and tactical functionality of the J-20’s internal weapons systems.

The image shows the J-20’s sophisticated internal weapons bay in action, with the PL-10 missile in mid-launch. This bay, specifically designed to house short- and medium-range missiles like the PL-10, exemplifies the J-20’s stealth-focused engineering. By concealing weapons internally, the aircraft minimizes radar cross-section and enhances aerodynamic performance, crucial for maintaining stealth and maneuverability in modern air combat.

The J-20’s side bays enable rapid deployment of short-range missiles without compromising stealth, offering a tactical edge in dogfights. The emerging PL-10 missile, designed for targets up to 20 kilometers away, showcases the precision and readiness of the aircraft’s combat systems.

Andreas Rupprecht, a noted Chinese air force expert, shared the image on social media, further amplifying its global significance. While a related video from November 2023 depicting a missile launch was grainy and inconclusive, this image has been definitively identified as capturing the PL-10, solidifying its role as a key component of the J-20’s armament.

The PL-10 missile, the star of this historic image, is a short-range air-to-air missile designed for modern aerial warfare. Its development began in 2004 under the guidance of Dr. Liang Xiaogeng at the Luoyang Electro Optical Center (Institute 612), now known as the China Air-to-Air Guided Missile Research Institute. The missile was engineered to complement advanced stealth fighters like the J-20 and J-35.

PL-10

• Advanced Imaging Infrared (IIR) Sensor: The missile’s IIR sensor provides all-aspect targeting capability, allowing it to identify targets based on their shape rather than relying solely on heat signatures. This ensures effectiveness against modern adversaries employing heat suppression technologies.
• Extended Range: With a range of up to 20 kilometers, the PL-10 is effective in both dogfights and medium-range engagements.
• Enhanced Resistance to Countermeasures: The missile is designed to resist jamming and decoys such as chaff and flares, maintaining a high probability of target engagement.
• Lock-On After Launch (LOAL): This feature allows the missile to receive updated targeting data mid-flight via a datalink, ensuring adaptability and precision even after being launched

The PL-10’s journey from conception to operational deployment reflects China’s growing prowess in air-to-air missile technology. Development reportedly began in 2004, with the first test launch conducted in late 2008. Early production models were integrated into the J-11 Flanker in 2011, although operational deployment likely occurred closer to its public debut at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2016.

Since then, the PL-10 has gradually replaced the PL-8B as the PLAAF’s standard short-range missile. It has drawn comparisons to advanced Western counterparts, including the European ASRAAM and IRIS-T. Notably, the U.K.’s Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) has highlighted the PL-10’s superior kinematic performance compared to the American AIM-9X Sidewinder, underlining its strategic value.

The J-20 Mighty Dragon, China’s premier fifth-generation stealth fighter, has become a symbol of the nation’s military modernization efforts. Developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, the J-20 was designed to rival the American F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Its stealth features, advanced avionics, and impressive weaponry position it as a formidable adversary in the skies.

J-20

• Stealth Design: The J-20 employs a combination of radar-absorbing materials, internal weapons bays, and an aerodynamic airframe to reduce its radar signature.
• Internal Weapons Bays: These bays not only enhance stealth but also improve the aircraft’s aerodynamic efficiency by reducing drag.
• Supermaneuverability: Powered by advanced turbofan engines, the J-20 offers excellent agility, making it capable of evading enemy missiles and engaging in close-range dogfights.

The integration of the PL-10 into the J-20’s side bays highlights the fighter’s adaptability and readiness for modern combat scenarios. This capability enables the J-20 to maintain its stealth profile while engaging adversaries at varying ranges.

The emergence of the PL-10 and its integration into the J-20 underscores China’s commitment to developing cutting-edge military technologies. The PL-10’s advanced features and the J-20’s stealth capabilities provide the PLAAF with a distinct tactical advantage in potential air combat scenarios.

• American AIM-9X Sidewinder: While the AIM-9X is a highly respected missile, experts suggest the PL-10 offers superior kinematic performance, giving Chinese pilots an edge in dynamic aerial engagements.
• European IRIS-T and ASRAAM: The PL-10 is on par with these advanced missiles, ensuring China’s competitiveness in missile technology on the global stage.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that a successor to the PL-10, tentatively named the PL-16, is already in development. While details remain scarce, this indicates a continuous effort by China to stay ahead in the evolving field of air-to-air missile systems.

The unveiling of the PL-10 launch image has sparked discussions among military analysts and defense experts worldwide. It reflects not only China’s technical achievements but also the growing transparency in showcasing its military advancements. By sharing such imagery, the PLAAF signals confidence in its technological edge and seeks to reinforce its position as a leading global air force.

This development also raises questions about the strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region, where air superiority plays a critical role in military dominance. The J-20 and its PL-10 missile serve as a reminder of China’s rapid military advancements and its implications for regional security dynamics.