China’s ‘DeepSeek Moment’: Pakistan’s 6–0 Air Battle Victory Shakes US Confidence

Earlier this year, a major air battle between India and Pakistan highlighted the growing power of Chinese military technology. On May 7, 2025, Pakistan’s air force, equipped with Chinese J-10CE fighter jets and advanced PL-15 long-range missiles, defeated India’s air force 6–0. This surprising event has raised questions about the balance of air power in South Asia and caught the attention of global military analysts, including those in the United States.

In early 2025, after a terrorist attack in India linked to a group in Pakistan, India launched “Operation Sindoor.” Indian jets targeted terrorist sites inside Pakistan, expecting a quick and decisive victory. India sent over 70 fighter planes into the fight, while Pakistan deployed only 30 jets. However, the battle played out entirely beyond visual range. Neither side’s pilots saw each other face-to-face. Instead, missiles flew silently across the border. Pakistan scored an astonishing 6–0 win. It shot down three French Rafale jets, two Russian Su-30s, one MiG-29, and an Israeli drone — all without losing a single J-10CE fighter. Pakistan’s jets also later destroyed an older Mirage 2000 and neutralized a Russian S-400 air defense system. India’s high-tech aircraft were defeated by the Chinese-built J-10CE fighters, marking a clear upset.

Pakistan’s success came from a fully integrated Chinese aerial combat system. Early warning planes like the ZDK-03A, electronic warfare aircraft, and ground radars monitored the skies. They tracked Indian jets as far as 70–90 kilometers from the border, long before Indian pilots could react. Pakistani fighters fired PL-15 missiles, which are guided by external data links during their initial flight. This silent approach meant Indian jets did not detect incoming missiles until it was too late. Only in the last 20 kilometers did the missile’s onboard radar activate, giving Indian pilots only seconds to respond. The PL-15’s range is about 145 kilometers for Pakistan’s version, far surpassing India’s missiles, which top out at 100 kilometers. India’s Rafale jets, equipped with shorter-range MICA missiles, failed to fire a single shot. Indian pilots were caught off guard, never even knowing what hit them.

Military experts have called this clash China’s DeepSeek Moment. It showed China’s growing ability to produce affordable, advanced weapons that outperform more expensive Western models. Pakistan’s $50 million J-10CE jets easily defeated India’s $250 million Rafales. Even the US magazine The National Interest admitted China’s air combat skills now have undeniable credibility. The J-10CE is only China’s fourth-ranked fighter, suggesting even more powerful aircraft exist. This success strengthens China’s position on the global stage. It demonstrates that Chinese military technology is battle-tested and effective, challenging US air dominance in the region.

China’s military rise matters deeply for global power dynamics. China remembers its history of weakness and humiliation in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, China aims to avoid that fate by building strong military capabilities. At the same time, the US remains a ruthless great power, willing to maintain dominance by force if needed. China’s new military achievements show it is ready to face this challenge. Pakistan’s victory in the air battle also sent a message. Just days later, China and the US resumed tariff talks in Geneva. Observers believe the display of Chinese-backed military strength influenced US negotiators to seek a quick deal.

The May 7 air battle is a clear warning that military technology and power balances are shifting in Asia. China’s weapons, proven in real combat by Pakistan, challenge established air forces like India’s and indirectly the US. For more updates on this developing story and expert analysis on global security, visit VK News at vknews24.com.

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