Has China’s PL-17 missile, likely Pacific game-changer, finally been seen up close?

The first close-up image of the Chinese PL-17 long-range missile – one of the most mysterious weapons in the PLA Air Force’s arsenal – appears to have surfaced online.Analysts say the PL-17 may be the world’s longest-range air-to-air missile, posing a threat to US air superiority in the western Pacific.A photo believed to show the PL-17 has recently been making the rounds on Chinese social media. The date and location of the photo are unclear, although the angle of view is extremely close. The China-morning-post" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="12558" data-entity-type="organization">South China Morning Post could not independently verify the authenticity of the image.It shows a PL-17 missile or a mock-up displayed on a stand at an exhibition in China. A man poses in front, his face digitally obscured, while behind the missile is a display board promoting the J-20 stealth fighter.Most analysts believe the photo depicts a full-size PL-17 model.Photo circulating on Chinese social media appears to show full-size PL-17 missile or a mock-up. Photo: WeixinThe PL series is a designation for air-to-air missiles developed for the People’s Liberation Army. Those in service include the short-range PL-10, the medium-range PL-11 and PL-12, and the beyond-visual-range PL-15.