India's Op Sindoor uncovers double PL-15E missiles, revealing Chinese AESA weaknesses.
Recent revelations regarding Operation Sindoor, which unfolded in May 2025, indicate that the Indian Air Force (IAF) recovered twice the number of Chinese PL-15E missiles than initially reported, significantly enhancing India’s understanding of enemy technology. The operation’s aftermath allowed Indian defense scientists access to critical missile systems, particularly their advanced AESA seeker capabilities, which were compromised due to effective Indian electronic warfare tactics. This intelligence boon is expected to inform upgrades for IAF platforms, including Su-30MKIs and Tejas Mk1A, fortifying their threat libraries against future engagements. The broader significance lies in India’s capacity to reverse-engineer and counteract Chinese missile technology, thereby bolstering its strategic deterrence in South Asia.