(L-R) DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Air Marshal AK Bharti, Vice Admiral AN Pramod and Major General SS Sharda during the press conference on Operation Sindoor, in New Delhi on Monday.
| Photo Credit:
ANI
For the first time, India on Monday underlined that Pakistan fired Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles during its offensive against India.
Showing visuals of the enemy vectors countered over the last week, Director General of Air Operations (DGAO) Air Marshal AK Bharti said, “The debris on the screen is of a probable PL-15 missile which is of Chinese origin.”
The details were shared at a joint press conference by Air Marshal Bharti along with Director General of Military Operations Lt General Rajiv Ghai and Director General Naval Operations Vice Admiral AN Pramod. The three officers presented visuals of destroyed Pakistani terror infrastructure and military installations and robust and integrated variety of air defence sensors, weapons systems and counter-drone systems. The presentation concluded with the assertion that “we brought them to their knees”, indicating at Pakistan.
The Air Marshal specifically mentioned the Chinese equipment used by Pakistan in his opening remarks at the briefing. “This missile (Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missile) has missed its target and you can see the pieces, which are available with us,” he said. Also known as ‘Thunderbolt-15’, PL-15 is a radar-guided long-range air-to-air missile.
Meanwhile, the four-day long battle that ended with an understanding for peace was reiterated in the talks between the DGMOs of both countries held at around 5 pm on Monday. “Issues related to continuing the commitment that both sides must not fire a single shot or initiate any aggressive and inimical action against each other were discussed. It was also agreed that both sides consider immediate measures to ensure troop reduction from the borders and forward areas,” said Army sources.
Other Chinese items used
Air Marshal Bharti said the robust Indian military response architecture, especially the multi-layered and integrated air defence systems, neutralised the intruding aerial threats of missiles and kamikaze drones. At the same time, he said, India struck deep inside Pakistan to dismantle 9 terrorist camps and high-value military installations such as airbases and logistic hubs.
Pakistan Air Force’s J-10C fighter jets, also of Chinese origin, are equipped with the PL-15LR missiles, and were used in the hostilities against India, per international news reports.
Sources also said debris of Chinese UAVs, including the affordable DJI drones, were used for surveillance purposes. Terrorists of The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba, were also using Huawei phones, and ultra-sets for secured communication during the April 22 attack at Pahalgam. The attack left 26 tourists dead and 17 injured.
Pro-Pak stance
China’s diplomatic stance in the hostilities between the two countries distinctly favoured Pakistan when it described India’s military strike on terror sanctuaries as “regrettable”, while Beijing condemned all forms of terrorism.
Later, China’s Foreign Ministry hailed the understanding reached between the two sides and said it “serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both India and Pakistan; is conducive to the peace and stability of the region, and meets the general expectations of the international community.”
India reiterated that the fight was against terrorists and their support infrastructure and not with the Pakistan military. “However, it is a pity that the Pakistan military chose to intervene and bat for the terrorists, which compelled us to respond in kind,” DGAO Bharti stated.
Meanwhile, the senior IAF officer stated that Turkish-origin Yiha drones along with long-range rockets, and loiter munitions, too were neutralised by the efficient and effective air defence environment — a repeat mentioning of the middle east country’s military assistance to Pakistan.
In the briefing to media on May 10, IAF’s Wing Cammander Vyomika Singh said that 300 to 400 drones, including Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones were fired at 36 military and civilian sites between the intervening night of May 8 and May 9. The armed forces came to conclusion after a forensic examination of the debris of the drone, she had added.
Last night passed without any skirmish on the border, but the armed forces continue to be stationed at their forward offensive postures, sources said.
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Published on May 12, 2025