China Demonstrates Missile Datalink Engagement

China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is demonstrating the ability to engage next-generation stealth targets, showcasing the data link handoff feature of air-to-air missiles between multiple Chengdu J-10C fighters during a recent training exercise.

In a documentary celebrating the 98th anniversary of the PLA, a J-10C was seen firing a beyond-visual-range missile, presumably a PL-15, under the instructions of KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft.

Shortly after launch, the pilot reported radar disruption, believed to be caused by jamming from a stealth aircraft. The pilot then instructed his wingman to continue the search. Moments later, he reported that the missile had “opened its eyes,” suggesting seeker activation and terminal homing.

Air combat maneuvering instrumentation (ACMI) footage presented in the documentary depicted four Blue Air aircraft engaging two Red Air targets, the latter represented by silhouettes resembling the J-20 fifth-generation fighter. One J-10C was shown illuminating a Red Air target before a successful “kill” was called over the radio. The ACMI visualization indicated that the J-20 possessed a superior radar detection range.

It is unclear how the training is executed with a live missile.

“This was our first successful kill against a superior-generation stealth jet,” said Xiao Nan, who was piloting the J-10C. “Without a complete combat system, we nearly have no chance to shoot down a stealth fighter. With the support of such system, it proves that the J-10C is still in its prime.”

The J-10C is the most advanced variant of the J-10 series, equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar. Aviation Week’s Fleet Discovery database estimates that 206 J-10Cs are currently in PLAAF service.

The PL-15’s data link-guided engagement capabilities have previously drawn attention, particularly during reports that Pakistani J-10CEs may have employed the missile to target Indian Air Force aircraft at standoff range. But operational details surrounding that engagement remain unverified.