China makes first international sale of Z-10ME attack helicopters to Pakistan

The Z-10ME is an upgraded export variant of the Z-10, which China uses in sensitive areas like the Tibet Plateau and the Taiwan Strait. (Photo: War Intel/@warintel4u)

Pakistan has formally added China’s Z-10ME attack helicopters to its military fleet, in a move aimed at modernising its aging aviation assets, Bloomberg reported.

The Pakistan Army Aviation Corps held an induction ceremony on Saturday, describing the new aircraft as a “state-of-the-art, all-weather platform” capable of precision strikes around the clock. While the number of helicopters acquired wasn’t disclosed, the military said they are equipped with advanced radar and electronic warfare capabilities.

The Z-10ME is an upgraded export variant of the Z-10, which China uses in sensitive areas like the Tibet Plateau and the Taiwan Strait. This marks the first international sale of the Z-10ME, according to Chinese state media outlet Global Times.

The addition represents a significant upgrade for Pakistan’s military, which has long relied on older American-made AH-1 Cobras and Russian Mi-35 Hind helicopters.

The induction is part of a broader shift towards Chinese defense hardware, following growing strategic ties between the two nations.

China previously sent Z-10 helicopters to Pakistan for testing, but they were returned in 2018 after failing to meet operational standards, according to Defense News. The Z-10ME, however, is considered an improved model, featuring better low-altitude performance and situational awareness, and is seen as a cost-effective option for export.

Pakistan has announced further plans to expand its Chinese weapons purchases, including more advanced fighter aircraft. Bloomberg reported that Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who oversaw Saturday’s ceremony, visited Beijing in July and met with senior Chinese defense officials, including Zhang Youxia, vice-chair of the Central Military Commission. Zhang pledged closer military cooperation between the two countries.

“Pakistan is the key link in China’s regional defense strategy,” Imtiaz Gul, executive director of the Center for Research and Security Studies in Islamabad, told Bloomberg. “China would be focused on shoring up its defence across the region in order to cope with challenges that arise from the Indo-US strategic cooperation.”