China’s “DeepSeek Moment” for Military Tech Arrived in the Skies Over Kashmir

Deleted social media post by Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin revealed plans to send TNI AU pilots to China for J-10 fighter jet training—fueling speculation of a pending, unannounced J-10 fighter jets purchase.
File image of three Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets. Photo: AFP

There was a palpable sense of euphoria in China this weekend as Chinese-made J-10C and JF-17 fighter jets saw combat for the first time over the disputed Kashmir region — and performed impressively.

The J-10C’s successful use of electronic jamming and reports of downing several Indian Air Force Rafale jets (the exact number remains disputed) were widely celebrated in Chinese media. Many likened the moment to another “DeepSeek Moment” — a reference to China’s growing confidence in its domestically developed technologies.

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by Eric Olander

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