Missile PL-17 (CH-AA-12 Auger)

The PL-17, also designated PL-20 and known by the NATO reporting name CH-AA-12 Auger, is an active radar-guided very-long-range air-to-air missile developed in China for the People's Liberation Army Air Force. It is intended for engagement of high-value airborne assets such as aerial refuelling tankers and airborne early warning and control aircraft. The missile was tested on a Shenyang J-16 in 2016, and Chinese state media reported its entry into PLAAF service in October 2022. It is a separate programme from the ramjet-powered PL-21.

The airframe is substantially longer than that of the PL-15 or AIM-120, allowing a larger solid propellant load. This length prevents carriage in the internal weapons bay of the Chengdu J-20, restricting the missile to external stations. Propulsion is provided by a dual-pulse rocket motor, and the missile flies a lofted trajectory to reach its stated engagement envelope. Top speed exceeds Mach 4. The body uses a low-drag profile, with control provided by four small fins in combination with thrust vectoring.

Midcourse guidance combines inertial navigation, satellite navigation and a datalink for target updates. In the terminal phase the missile activates a multimode seeker incorporating active and passive elements. Reported components include a miniaturised active electronically scanned array radar for tracking, a passive anti-radiation seeker for engaging radar-emitting targets, and a possible optical window housing a supplementary infrared seeker.

Estimates of maximum operational range vary considerably among open sources, with the Royal United Services Institute among those assessing the missile in the widely cited class figure.

The PL-17 is operated by the People's Liberation Army Air Force. Beyond the J-16, it can be carried by Chinese-operated Su-30MKK and Su-35 fighters. No combat use has been reported.