PL-21

Last updated
PL-21
Type Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile
Place of origin People's Republic of China
Service history
Used by People's Liberation Army Air Force
People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force
Production history
Manufacturer Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology
Specifications
Mass250 kg
Diameter250–300 millimetres (9.8–11.8 in) (estimated) [1]

Operational
range
300 km [2] [3]
Guidance
system
Active radar with AESA [1]
Launch
platform

The PL-21 or PL-XX is an under development [4] active radar-guided beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile developed by the People's Republic of China.

Contents

Development and history

The PL-21 is estimated to have a range of over 300 kilometers and powered by a ramjet engine. [5]

See also

Related lists

References

  1. 1 2 "This new ramjet engine could triple the range of Chinese missiles". 12 June 2017.
  2. "The US Wants To Arm Fighters With These New Long-Range Missiles To Hunt Down China & Russia's Best Jets".
  3. "China's New Fighter Jet Is A Problem For Australia".
  4. "PL-21 Emerges: China's Deadliest Air-to-Air Missile May Soon Arm Pakistan's Stealth J-35A". Defence Security Asia. 27 May 2025. The PL-21, which remains under active development by Chinese defence firms, is envisioned as a next-generation missile capable of targeting AWACS, refuelling tankers, and electronic warfare aircraft from ranges exceeding 400 kilometers.
  5. Wood, Yang & Cliff 2020, p. 40.
Bibliography