The M model has improved defense against infrared countermeasures, enhanced background discrimination capability, and a reduced-smoke rocket motor. These modifications increase ability to locate and lock-on a target and decrease the missile's chances for detection. However, its traditional aerodynamic controls provide less agility as compared to the R-73. Actual performance data, as well as the operational status of the PL-7 missile is unknown. Analysts critical of the program claim the missile is no more than a cosmetically enhanced PL-5, with very little internal changes.
Most analysts believe it to be a missile on par with early versions of the Magic.
In 1992, a Mirage 2000 successfully fired a Magic II missile while performing a 9G turn. The PL-9 is widely believed to be a copy of the Israeli Python 3, which is a very capable missile with a very sensitive seeker. However, the external appearance of the missiles bear many differences, and it is unclear if the PL-9 features the same seeker as the Python 3. Operational status of the PL-9 is unknown, and only dummy missile bodies have made appearances in recent air shows. The first batch of 300 TC I missile have completed production.