China’s integration of the PL-17 ultra long-range air-to-air missile onto J-10C fighter jets is raising alarm across the Indo-Pacific as tensions over Taiwan continue escalating. Analysts say the missile, reportedly capable of striking targets 300 to 500 kilometres away, is designed to target AWACS, tanker and ISR aircraft, threatening key U.S. and allied air operations near Taiwan. The development comes as concerns grow over depleted American missile stockpiles after the Iran war. Experts believe Beijing’s strategy now focuses on crippling enemy air networks rather than traditional dogfighting, potentially reshaping the balance of power across the Indo-Pacific region.
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