Just a few days ago, Pakistan shared images of their jets armed with the PL-15 Pakistan says it shot down five Indian jets, including the advanced Rafale, during cross-border engagement.

There is strong evidence that the PL-15 was used, making it the first time this long-range missile was used in a live combat. Indian authorities recovered parts of the PL-15 in Hoshiarpur, Punjab.

The PL-15 is an active radar-guided long-range air-to-air missile. It’s a “fire and forget” missile that travels farther, faster, and more accurately than any other air to air missile, providing fighter jets with a significant edge over the enemy.

The human eye can only see up to a few kilometers. So pilots rely on radars to guide their missiles towards a speedy target. The PL - 15 uses advanced radar to lock onto targets and gets updates mid-flight from ground radar or AWACS planes. It hunts down the enemy on its own.

This has stunned both India and the West, as they were confident that the French made mirage and Meteor missile would have the advantage over the Chinese J jets and missiles that Pakistan operates. This article comparing the two missiles claimed India had the clear advantage.

India recently spent $7.4 billion to order 26 Rafael jets from France believing it would give them the edge over Pakistan. Each Rafael would cost them $288 million. It’s possible that they now regret this decision.

This is good news for Pakistan, China and Russia. For Pakistan, it means they have an edge in the skies right now. For China, it validates their jets and their missiles, encouraging other potential buyers to take them seriously.

For Russia, it encourages India to respect their relationship. The Indians purchased French Rafaels in order to reduce dependence on Russia, something the west wanted after the Ukraine war. But India may now regret risking their defense interests just to appease the West.

What would you rather have?