China’s state media celebrated what is believed to be the first combat use of its hypersonic missiles, deployed by Pakistan to destroy an Indian S-400 air defence system in Adampur, Punjab, during a May 2025 conflict.
The South China Morning Post reported that the strike, executed with Chinese-made CM-400AKG missiles launched from JF-17 jets, marked a “new era in warfare.” The Pakistan-India tensions, sparked by Indian airstrikes on May 7, ended with a ceasefire on May 10, highlighting the strategic impact of China’s advanced weaponry.
Pakistan’s Hypersonic Missile Strike
Pakistan’s military claimed the precision-guided strike neutralised India’s Russian-built S-400 system, a significant blow to its air defences, per a statement cited by Xinhua. Footage released by Pakistani authorities showed in action two CM-400AKG missiles, produced by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).
China Space News, co-sponsored by CASIC, detailed the hypersonic technology’s role days later, emphasising its speed and precision.
The strike followed India’s May 7 airstrikes on Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi claimed targeted militants linked to an April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26, a charge Pakistan denied.
China reveals tech ‘breakthrough’ behind Pakistan’s hypersonic strike on India https://t.co/anaXSkmKAn
— South China Morning Post (@SCMPNews) May 14, 2025The ensuing Marka-e-Haq conflict saw Pakistan’s Operation Bunyaan al Marsoos hit 26 Indian military targets, including the S-400, before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on May 10. X users debated China’s role, with some viewing the missile use as a proxy test of Beijing’s military tech.
China’s Technological Breakthrough
The South China Morning Post and China Space News highlighted the hypersonic missiles’ advanced propulsion and guidance systems, which enable speeds exceeding Mach 5 and evading traditional defences.
Xinhua’s “new era” claim underscores China’s growing influence in global arms, with Pakistan as a key ally. The strike’s success bolsters China’s defence industry, raising concerns about regional arms races, citing India’s potential counter-developments.
Read: Pakistan Destroys India’s S-400 Air Defence System in Operation Bunyaan al Marsoos
The hypersonic strike elevates China-Pakistan military ties, potentially shifting South Asian power dynamics, as The Diplomat notes. India’s loss of an S-400 system, costing $1.5 billion, may prompt defence upgrades, while the ceasefire’s fragility keeps tensions high.
