Missile PL-12 / CH-AA-7 Adze

Development of the PL-12 missile program commenced in the late 1990s, with its existence first becoming public under the export designation SD-10 in 2001. The initial design and development phase benefited from Russian technical assistance, including the reported use of radar seekers intended for the R-77 missile in early batches. Following a series of successful test firings, the missile achieved indigenous production capabilities, removing its reliance on foreign components. The system was officially inducted into service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force in 2005. Further developmental variants, including versions with folded fins, contributed to the design of its more advanced successors.

As an active radar-guided, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, the PL-12 is often compared to the American AIM-120 AMRAAM and the Russian R-77. The missile's guidance system employs a data link for mid-course updates, transitioning to an independent active radar seeker for terminal homing. This allows for fire-and-forget engagement capabilities. The system is propelled by a dual-thrust solid-fuel rocket motor, enabling it to achieve high supersonic speeds. Some variants are reported to include a passive homing mode, providing a capability against electronic warfare jammers and Airborne Early Warning aircraft. Export versions typically feature performance characteristics distinct from the domestic models, such as a reduced engagement range, while improved versions offer enhanced seekers and superior anti-jamming functionality.

The PL-12 is operational with the People's Liberation Army Air Force and the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force. It has also been exported to international partners, including the Pakistan Air Force and the Myanmar Air Force, where it is often integrated with aircraft such as the JF-17 Thunder. A variant was developed with folded control fins specifically to fit within the internal weapons bay of the J-20 stealth fighter, demonstrating its adaptability to modern fifth-generation platforms. The missile is primarily launched from aircraft and serves as a principal BVR weapon for a variety of fighter jets within the arsenals of its user nations.