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Air-to-Air Missiles ·Hanzhong Nanfeng Machine Factory

Missile PL-5

Introduced in 1987, the Chinese PL-5 is a short-range, infrared-homing air-to-air missile designed for within-visual-range combat and structurally derived from the Soviet K-13. Key figures: range 16 km, top speed 3,063 km/h, warhead 6 kg, guidance Infrared homing, in service since 1987. In service with 11 countries — Bangladesh, China, Egypt and 8 others.

Range
16km
Max speed
3,063km/h
Technical Specifications
Warhead weight6 kg (13 lb)
Diameter127 mm (5.0 in)
Span657 mm (25.9 in)
Length3,128 mm (123.1 in)
Weight148 kg (326 lb)
Range 16 km (10 mi)
Max. speed3,063 km/h (Mach 3.1)
PL-5 scale diagram
PL-5 — Air-to-Air 1.75 m 3.13 m
Range
16 km
Speed
Mach 3.1
Weight
148 kg
Warhead
6 kg
Operators
🇧🇩 Bangladesh· 🇨🇳 China· 🇪🇬 Egypt· 🇮🇷 Iran· 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka· 🇲🇲 Myanmar· 🇵🇰 Pakistan· 🇸🇩 Sudan· 🇹🇿 Tanzania· 🇻🇪 Venezuela· 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe
Carried by
J-6 Farmer J-7 Fishcan JF-17 Thunder JH-7 Flounder JL-10 JL-8 Z-10

Description

The PL-5 is a short-range, infrared homing air-to-air missile used by Chinese fighter aircraft. Development of the missile was based on AA-2 Atoll technology, and the system design resembles the AIM-9 Sidewinder.

The missile utilizes infrared homing guidance. Upgrades to the system include the PL-5E and PL-5EII variants. The PL-5E variant features all-aspect target engagement capability, with seeker off-boresight limits of ±25° before launch and ±40° after launch. The PL-5EII variant incorporates a dual-band, multi-element detector along with a laser proximity fuse.

Within the People's Liberation Army Air Force, newer fighter aircraft such as the J-10, J-11, J-20, and J-35 utilize other short-range missiles. However, the PL-5 remains in service on F-7 and JH-7 platforms, as the greater weight and dimensions of newer missiles prevent their integration on these aircraft. The PL-5 has been widely exported. Current operators of the missile and its variants include Bangladesh, Burma, Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and other open sources. Last updated on 13 August 2026. Suggest a change

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of missile is the PL-5?
The PL-5 is an air-to-air missile developed by China. It entered service in 1987.
What is the range of the PL-5?
The PL-5 has a maximum range of approximately 16 km (9 miles). Effective range varies with launch platform, altitude, and flight profile.
How fast is the PL-5?
The PL-5 reaches a maximum speed of 3,063 km/h (Mach 2.5).
How is the PL-5 guided?
The PL-5 uses infrared homing guidance.
Which countries use the PL-5?
The PL-5 is in service with 11 countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, and 8 other countries.
Compare This Missile
PL-5 vs
Latest Data Updates
  1. AUG 132026 Updated Lede service entry year aligned with the specification (sources give only the 1980s)
  2. AUG 132026 Updated Warhead weight, diameter and 6 more fields added
  3. JUL 102026 Created Page created: PL-5