Pakistan used the CM-400AKG missile against India’s S-400, raising Western concerns about Chinese technology

A recent report from Chinese state media emphasizes what is purported to be the initial combat deployment of China’s hypersonic missile technology, posing a considerable challenge to the efficacy of contemporary air defense systems. As per the details, Pakistan utilized a Chinese-manufactured CM-400AKG air-to-surface missile, launched from a JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, to eliminate an Indian S-400 Triumf, which is a Russian-made air defense system.

If verified, this attack illustrates that Chinese hypersonic missile systems could pose a significant threat to even the most sophisticated air defense platforms currently in operation worldwide.

A video of CM-400AKG missile captured over Indian Punjab.

The missile hit the Adampur Air Base and destroyed 2 S-400 components. pic.twitter.com/NXbB31uFeT

— AM Raad (@Raad_Pak) May 12, 2025

The CM-400AKG, a missile created by China’s state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), signifies a new era of precision strike weaponry.

Although it is generally categorized as a hypersonic weapon due to its speed exceeding Mach 5, it is more accurately described as a quasi-ballistic missile because of its steep terminal dive attack profile and high-altitude cruise path.

This missile is specifically engineered to target high-value, heavily defended assets such as naval ships or strategic ground-based air defense systems.

The S-400 Triumf, provided by Russia, is one of the most esteemed air defense missile systems in the world. With a detection capability of 600 kilometers and the ability to engage aerial threats at distances of up to 400 kilometers, it serves as a cornerstone of India’s airspace defense. It is engineered to intercept a wide range of threats, including enemy aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles. Its esteemed status has made it a preferred choice not only for India but also for countries like China and Turkey, despite the geopolitical challenges associated with such purchases.

Attention: Exclusive 🚨

CM-400 Hypersonic ARM fired from JF-17 Thubdey Block-II hits S-400 HIMAD’s Cheeseboard Radar at Adampur Air Force Station.

Note: We have attached 2x videos as supplementary evidence from CT College.

Note 2.0: Those who are saying that JF-17 Thunder… pic.twitter.com/3mdtjaQ5OT

— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) May 27, 2025

If a Chinese missile, such as the CM-400AKG, has successfully neutralized an S-400 system in an actual combat situation, the consequences would be significant. This occurrence would not only signify the operational introduction of Chinese hypersonic weapons in warfare but also provoke serious concerns among Western military strategists.

For the United States and NATO allies that depend on air defense systems like the Patriot, Aegis, or even THAAD and the upcoming NGI systems, the idea that a relatively inexpensive, air-launched Chinese missile could overcome a premier Russian defense system is indeed alarming.

The CM-400AKG’s effectiveness may indicate a significant change in the global military equilibrium. Hypersonic weapons are exceptionally challenging to detect and intercept due to their speed, flight characteristics, and maneuverability.

While Western nations have made substantial investments in missile defense systems to address conventional threats, the emergence of hypersonic and quasi-hypersonic technologies from China introduces a new level of difficulty. Should these systems prove capable of evading the S-400, which is designed with multi-band radar systems and sophisticated interception missiles, there is increasing apprehension that even the most advanced defense systems in the U.S. and Europe may need considerable enhancements to maintain their credibility.

Additionally, this situation strengthens China’s role not only as a significant consumer but also as a prolific and effective provider of advanced weaponry. If the CM-400AKG demonstrates success in operational settings, it could become a compelling choice for numerous nations aiming to counter technologically superior foes.

The platform associated with this purported strike, the JF-17 Thunder, symbolizes a new age of adaptable and economical airpower. Jointly developed by Pakistan and China, the JF-17 is a fourth-generation, single-engine multirole fighter adept at executing a variety of missions ranging from air superiority to ground assault and maritime strikes. It features a contemporary glass cockpit, sophisticated radar systems including AESA radar in the Block III version, and a flexible weapons suite.

The JF-17 is capable of carrying an impressive selection of armaments. These consist of air-to-air missiles like the PL-5, PL-9, PL-10, and PL-15; air-to-ground munitions such as laser-guided bombs and glide bombs; anti-ship missiles like the C-802A; and crucially, standoff strike weapons such as the CM-400AKG. With seven hardpoints and a digital avionics suite, it can function in both independent and networked modes, establishing it as a formidable strike platform in contested scenarios.

The CM-400AKG missile represents a significant advancement in air-launched precision strike capabilities. With a range of up to 250 kilometers and speeds surpassing Mach 5, it is engineered to target hardened and high-value assets while circumventing modern air defenses. Its steep terminal dive, high kinetic energy, and fire-and-forget guidance system render it exceptionally challenging to intercept.

The CM-400AKG, created by CASIC, was initially introduced at the 2012 Zhuhai Airshow as a missile system aimed at exports. Pakistan was the first country to operate it internationally, incorporating the missile into the JF-17 Thunder fleet to improve its ability to target high-value assets at extended ranges.

Powered by a single-stage solid-fuel rocket motor, the missile can be equipped with either a 150 kg blast fragmentation warhead or a 200 kg penetration warhead, making it suitable for both naval and stationary ground targets. Its distinctive flight profile, characterized by high altitude and high speed, allows it to reach velocities between Mach 4.5 and 5.5 during its terminal phase, presenting a significant challenge to any contemporary integrated air defense system.

The missile features a navigation system that combines inertial guidance with GPS corrections, and it provides seeker options that include active radar or imaging infrared, thereby enhancing its adaptability for diverse operational needs. The development of the CM-400AKG reflects China’s strategic aim to upgrade its missile capabilities and establish itself as a significant player in the global arms market.

By deploying advanced systems like the CM-400AKG and making them available to international allies, China not only boosts its technological reputation but also broadens its geopolitical influence. The missile’s reported successful engagement with India’s S-400 Triumf system highlights its potential effect on the shifting landscape of regional and global military power.

The CM-400AKG missiles feature a blend of high velocity, intricate flight paths, and accurate guidance, positioning them as some of the most sophisticated air-launched strike weapons available globally today.