In the martial arts world created by Mr. Jin Yong, various sects and heroes possess unique skills. Some are as agile as a swallow, able to take the head of a general amidst thousands; some have profound internal strength, capable of injuring from a distance; and others excel in poisons, making them hard to guard against. Weapons are equally distinctive, with the Heavenly Sword shining brightly, the Xuan Tie Sword being a blunt heavy sword, and the Soul Blade carrying an eerie magical power.
However, regardless of martial prowess or weapon quality, the martial arts world is always filled with surprises and unexpected events. Just like the air battle in the Kashmir region on May 7, 2025, where the Chinese-made J-10C fighter jet gained fame, showcasing its might in front of numerous “martial arts masters”—it was akin to a peak duel in the martial arts world, bringing us many surprises.
1. The Outbreak of Air Combat: A “Sudden Attack” in the Martial Arts World
That early morning, the Indian Air Force suddenly launched an attack on the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir region, deploying 14 aircraft, including the Rafale, Su-30MKI, and MiG-29, all top-tier Russian and European fighters. This scene resembled a coalition of villains in a martial arts novel, determined to wipe out the righteous sects of the martial arts world. The Pakistan Air Force scrambled to respond, with 7 J-10CE jets as the main force, while the remaining 4 older aircraft were tasked with holding the line. This scenario vividly depicted a major sect in the martial arts world facing a surprise attack, hastily responding with seemingly insignificant weapons to turn the tide.
2. Glorious Achievements: The J-10C’s “Dimensionality Reduction Strike” Moment
At 5:25 AM, the Pakistan Air Force shot down two Indian aircraft, types unknown. At 7:23 AM, they downed 5 more, including 1 Su-30MKI, 1 MiG-29, 1 “Heron” drone, and two Rafales. At 8:27 AM, they added another victory, shooting down 1 Rafale. Ultimately, the Indian Air Force lost 6 aircraft, while the Pakistan Air Force suffered no losses. This was akin to a “small sect” in the martial arts world, previously looked down upon, shining brilliantly in a life-and-death moment, defeating the “renowned sects” and causing them significant losses.
In “The Smiling, Proud Wanderer,” Linghu Chong uses a seemingly chaotic “Dugu Nine Swords” to defeat those so-called orthodox martial artists, making everyone view this sword technique with new respect. In this air battle, the J-10C was like that “Dugu Nine Swords,” delivering a resounding “slap” to the world, demonstrating the power of Chinese weapons.
3. Historical Retrospective: Those Underestimated “Martial Arts Weapons”
For many Chinese, the J-10 was indeed a forgotten term. With the emergence of more advanced fighters like the J-20, it gradually “lost favor,” but this air battle brought it back into the spotlight. In the long history of the martial arts world, there have been many similar weapons. For example, the Heavenly Sword in “The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber” is an extraordinary sword, but it was overshadowed by the supreme Dragon-slaying Saber until the critical moment when its brilliance was revealed, making everyone realize that the Heavenly Sword is also a formidable weapon. Similarly, the J-10C before this air battle was like the Heavenly Sword hidden in the shadow of the Dragon-slaying Saber; although not a new favorite, its strength should not be underestimated.
From a historical perspective, the J-10 series fighter jets have witnessed the continuous progress of China’s aviation industry, from technological exploration to performance leaps. The evolution of weapons in the martial arts world is similar, from primitive wooden and stone weapons to exquisite swords, from simple knives and guns to magical hidden weapons, each step embodies the craftsmanship and wisdom of artisans. The birth of the J-10C is backed by the dedication and innovation of countless researchers, akin to swordsmiths in the martial arts world forging day and night by the furnace, striving to create a weapon that can change the landscape of the martial arts world.
4. International Impact: Reshaping the Martial Arts Landscape
The glorious achievements of the J-10C have a tremendous impact on the global military industry. On one hand, the reputation of the French Rafale fighter has been damaged, significantly reducing its competitiveness in the international arms market, akin to a top swordsmith’s sword breaking in a duel, causing its value to plummet. On the other hand, Chinese weapons have attracted global attention, with many countries showing great interest in the J-10C and other Chinese military products, similar to a newly emerging sect in the martial arts world, attracting many martial artists to learn and form alliances, changing the distribution of power in the martial arts world.
Looking back at history, such changes in the landscape are not uncommon. In ancient times, Zhang Liang assisted Liu Bang with wisdom, allowing Liu Bang’s power to emerge in the struggle among feudal lords, altering the pattern of the Chu-Han contention; during the Industrial Revolution, Britain, with its steam engine and other advanced technologies, gained an advantage in global industrial competition, changing the world economic landscape. Today, the success of the J-10C also signifies that Chinese military industry will play a greater role on the international stage, leading a new trend in military industry, just as the steam engine led the Industrial Revolution, driving transformation and development in the global military field.
5. The Waterloo of India and the West
Some netizens joked that this air battle was “India’s Waterloo,” a term that perfectly describes the Indian Air Force’s disastrous defeat in this battle, akin to Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, where once unassailable ambitions were brutally crushed by reality. The Indian Air Force’s pride in the Rafale fighter and tactical deployment was shattered in this air battle.
Other netizens remarked that this was “a shining moment for Chinese military industry,” showcasing the strength and progress of Chinese military industry to the world, like an actor on stage experiencing a shining moment, radiating unique charm and attracting all attention. Some even humorously suggested that India was “losing both the wife and the soldiers,” originally intending to gain the upper hand with advanced aircraft and a surprise attack, only to have their aircraft shot down, their plans thwarted, and their pride lost, akin to Zhou Yu’s embarrassment in borrowing Jingzhou; the Indian Air Force could only helplessly swallow the bitter fruit in this air battle.
6. Future Outlook: A New Journey for Chinese Military Industry in the Martial Arts World
This air battle is a glorious battle for the J-10C and a symbol of the rise of Chinese military industry. Just as martial arts masters in Jin Yong’s works continuously explore the pinnacle of martial arts, the Chinese military industry will also advance through innovation and breakthroughs, striving to safeguard peace and justice. This Kashmir air battle marks the starting point of a new journey for the Chinese military industry, and China will carry this honor and confidence to continue writing its legendary story in the global military field, allowing the world to witness the rise and strength of Chinese power.