Group : Air-to-Air Missiles
Status : Active
Also Known As : PiLi-9, PL-9C, PL-9D
Origin : China
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1989
Total Production : ?

The PiLi-9 (PL-9) is a short-range air-to-air missile (AAM) developed in China for the export market based upon the PL-5, PL-7 and Python 3 missile technologies. The PL-9 utilizes a derivative of the Python 3's infrared seeker. The PL-9 missile program was launched in the mid-1980s and first deliveries occurred in 1989. The PL-9C is an improved variant introduced in the 1990s featuring extended range from 5 kilometers to 22 kilometers and increased launch weight (115 kg vs. 123 kg), warhead (10 kg vs. 12 kg) and G maneuvering factor (35g vs. 40g). The PL-9D is a surface-to-air missile variant also introduced in the 1990s. The PL-9D missile system has been ordered by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) ground forces. The PL-9 air-to-air missile did not receive export orders or they were not reported. Maybe Iran ordered the missile for their Chinese F-7 fighters. The PL-9C missile was ordered by Bangladesh in 2006 and 2008 for use on the F-7BG fighters.