The CM-400AKG missile, developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, represents a critical shift in the landscape of modern warfare. If confirmed, the use of this quasi-ballistic missile by Pakistan to destroy an Indian S-400 air defense system would mark a watershed moment. This potential event underscores the capabilities of China's advanced precision strike technology and its implications for global air defense architectures.
- The CM-400AKG, often called a hypersonic weapon, achieves speeds exceeding Mach 5. Its high altitude cruise and steep terminal dive attack profile make it exceptionally difficult to intercept.
- With a range of up to 250 kilometers and the ability to carry either a 150 kg blast fragmentation warhead or a 200 kg penetration warhead, this missile is designed to target high-value, heavily defended targets, and is a particularly destabilizing asset in the hands of operators.
- The JF-17 Thunder, a joint Pakistan-China fourth-generation multi-role fighter, is the platform from which the CM-400AKG is launched. Its use of advanced radar systems and a versatile weapon suite, including the CM-400AKG, signifies a shift toward flexible, cost-effective air power. Countries should analyze China's advanced missile systems in order to prepare for the challenges this new weaponry will introduce to current defense strategies.
Pakistani Military Reports Use of Hypersonic Missile Against S-400 Installation
Islamabad, May 19, 2025
Pakistan's military announced today that its air force has successfully targeted and destroyed an Indian S-400 Triumf air defense system using a Chinese-made CM-400AKG hypersonic air-to-surface missile. According to military officials, the strike was conducted by a JF-17 Thunder fighter jet operating near the disputed border region.
In a statement released by Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military claimed the action was taken in response to "provocative deployments that threatened Pakistan's national security and sovereignty." The statement described the operation as "precise and limited."
The CM-400AKG, developed by China's state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), is a standoff weapon with hypersonic capabilities, designed specifically to target high-value assets such as air defense systems.
Indian authorities have not yet confirmed the strike or damage to any S-400 systems. The Indian Ministry of Defense issued a brief statement saying they are "assessing the situation" and will "respond appropriately to any aggression against sovereign Indian territory."
Military analysts note that this marks the first confirmed combat use of the CM-400AKG missile and a significant escalation in the longstanding tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
The Russian-made S-400 Triumf, considered one of the world's most advanced air defense systems, was acquired by India in a controversial multi-billion dollar deal that began delivery in 2021 despite U.S. objections.
International reaction has been swift, with the United Nations Secretary-General calling for "immediate de-escalation" and urging both sides to "exercise maximum restraint." The United States, China, and Russia have all called for dialogue between the two nations.
Regional tensions have been heightened in recent weeks following border disputes and accusations of territorial violations from both sides.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
SIDEBAR: WEAPON SYSTEMS SPECIFICATIONS
CM-400AKG Missile
- Type: Air-launched quasi-ballistic missile with hypersonic capabilities
- Origin: China (China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation)
- Speed: Mach 4.5-5.5 in terminal phase
- Range: Up to 250 km
- Warhead: 150 kg blast fragmentation or 200 kg penetration
- Guidance: Inertial guidance with GPS corrections, options for active radar or imaging infrared seekers
- Launch Platform: JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft
- Special Features: High-altitude cruise trajectory with steep terminal dive attack profile
S-400 Triumf Air Defense System
- Type: Long-range surface-to-air missile system
- Origin: Russia
- Detection Range: Up to 600 km
- Engagement Range: 400 km (maximum)
- Altitude Coverage: 10 m to 30 km
- Simultaneous Targets: Can track up to 80 targets and engage 36 simultaneously
- Missile Types: 4 different missile types for various ranges
- Deployment Time: 5-15 minutes
- Special Features: Can engage stealth aircraft, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles
JF-17 Thunder Fighter Aircraft
- Type: Fourth-generation, single-engine multirole fighter
- Origin: Pakistan/China joint development
- Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8 (2,205 km/h)
- Combat Range: 1,352 km
- Service Ceiling: 16,920 m
- Armament Capacity: 3,629 kg
- Hardpoints: 7 (including wingtip stations)
- Avionics: Modern glass cockpit, advanced radar systems including AESA radar in Block III variant
- Special Features: Can carry diverse range of armaments including PL-5, PL-9, PL-10, and PL-15 air-to-air missiles; laser-guided bombs; C-802A anti-ship missiles; and standoff weapons like the CM-400AKG
SOURCES:
- Pakistan Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) - https://www.ispr.gov.pk/
- Indian Ministry of Defence - https://mod.gov.in/
- Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) - https://missilethreat.csis.org/
- Army Recognition - https://www.armyrecognition.com/
- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) - https://www.sipri.org/
- International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) - https://www.iiss.org/
- United Nations - https://www.un.org/press/en
- Military Today - http://www.military-today.com/missiles/cm_400akg.htm
- Rosoboronexport (Russian Defense Export) - http://roe.ru/eng/catalog/air-defence-systems/air-defense-systems-and-mounts/s-400-triumf/
- Global Security - https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/pakistan/jf-17.htm
- Quwa Defence News & Analysis Group - https://quwa.org/
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