Reuters did claim that Indian intelligence misjudged the range of the PL-15E.
I find it strange that the maximum range of the PL-15E being greater than 145 km has long been confirmed. I don’t understand why social media widely spread the misinformation that the PL-15E’s maximum range is only 145 km. Both Indians and Pakistanis seem to accept this claim, and some Pakistanis even believe that China exported the original PL-15 (which is possible but highly unlikely). AVIC’s Weibo has already explained the PL-15E quite clearly.
Additionally, I believe Pakistan will eventually acquire the J-35A, though the timeline will likely be later than many Pakistani media outlets estimate. The development progress of KAAN has not aligned with Pakistan’s security needs.
I also don’t think China will refrain from exporting the J-35A to Pakistan solely to maintain air balance between India and Pakistan. India holds significant advantages over Pakistan in terms of army and navy size. Helping Pakistan establish air superiority would actually balance Indo-Pak military power. Moreover, the goal of assisting Pakistan’s military development is to create a favorable environment for its growth. Currently, India does not seem inclined to engage in full-scale war with Pakistan, as public opinion and political-economic conditions do not support it. However, India might attempt to exhaust Pakistan through limited warfare or aerial conflicts. Strengthening the Pakistani Air Force could effectively deter India from pursuing such strategies.
At the same time, the introduction of the J-35A would likely cause concern in India, potentially leading India to divert valuable R&D funds to seek alternatives like the Su-57 and delay its own AMCA project. Besides, the J-35A is intended for export, and I can’t think of a more suitable first buyer than Pakistan. Turkey would certainly want to use this opportunity to advance its KAAN project—if I were them, I’d do the same. But that shouldn’t stop exports. If China’s military products are to gain a foothold in the global arms market, we must accept this possibility. Instead of avoiding exports out of fear, we should focus on enhancing confidentiality measures.
