The PL-17 missile, the centerpiece of this new capability, is one of China’s most advanced air-to-air munitions. Measuring 5.73 meters in length, the missile was previously thought to be too large for internal carriage on most Chinese fighters, requiring external mounting that compromised stealth.

However, recent reports indicate that the J-35’s weapons bay can accommodate up to four PL-17s with foldable fins or two with fixed fins, a significant engineering achievement. The PL-17 is designed for beyond-visual-range engagements, with an estimated range of 300 to 400 kilometers, though exact figures remain unconfirmed due to China’s limited transparency.