China’s PL-15 missile has downed Rafale jets. Is the PL-16 even more powerful?

Speculation is mounting over China's next-generation air-to-air missile, the PL-16, with an unverified image circulating online suggesting it could boast a range of over 300 kilometers (186 miles). This potential advancement comes weeks after the first images of the U.S. Air Force's new AIM-260 missile surfaced, a weapon designed with a range of at least 193 kilometers (120 miles).

The U.S. officials have pointed to China's existing PL-15 missile as a significant factor driving the development of the AIM-260. The PL-15 currently forms the core of the Chinese air force's missile arsenal. While details surrounding its successor, the PL-16, are highly classified, recent years have seen reports of its development.

The unconfirmed image reportedly depicts a briefing slide detailing the evolution of Chinese air-to-air missiles, from the PL-11 and PL-12 to the PL-15 and the newly discussed PL-16. The authenticity of this image has not been independently verified, leaving the exact capabilities and deployment timeline of the PL-16 uncertain.