IRIA News

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Pakistan has officially inducted the first batch of Chinese-made Z-10ME attack helicopters into its Army Aviation Corps, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing military modernization. The development was confirmed on August 2 in a statement by the military’s media wing.

Pakistan Army videos and photos showed helicopters bearing Army Aviation Corps markings and serial number “786-301” on its fuselage and tail.

The Z-10ME represents a major shift for Pakistan, as it pivots from the decades-old American AH-1F Cobra platform toward a Chinese-designed attack helicopter. The Cobra, introduced more than 40 years ago, has served as the backbone of Pakistan’s rotary-wing strike force but has increasingly struggled to meet the demands of modern combat operations.

At a ceremony held at Multan Garrison, Pakisan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir oversaw the induction and later attended a firepower demonstration at Muzaffargarh Field Firing Ranges. He praised the helicopters’ combat performance and emphasized the Army’s preparedness to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a statement by the military media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Modern Platform for Evolving Threats

The Z-10ME is an upgraded export variant of the original Z-10 helicopter, developed by China’s Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation under the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Specifically tailored for international customers, the aircraft is marketed as a high-performance platform designed to operate in challenging environments.

Chinese sources describe the Z-10ME as the most advanced version to date, featuring enhancements in armor protection, electronic warfare capabilities, and engine performance, especially for high-altitude and hot-weather operations. According to ISPR, the helicopter is capable of all-weather, day-and-night precision strike missions and comes equipped with advanced radar systems and cutting-edge electronic warfare suites.

Chinese military affairs expert Fu Qianshao said that this marks the first export deal of the Z-10ME helicopter that can take off and land vertically and hover, making deployment more flexible without requiring dedicated airfields. Defense expert Zhang Xuefeng added that Z-10ME is customized with additional armor plates, warning sensors and jamming systems to boost the aircraft survivability.

Analysts note that the Pakistani variant appears to lack certain features, such as the mast-mounted millimeter-wave radar dome seen in earlier prototypes. However, the helicopters are believed to retain advanced electro-optical targeting systems and integrated defensive countermeasures.

The aircraft observed in Pakistan are painted in dark camouflage schemes similar to those used by China’s Army Aviation units. The exact number of helicopters delivered and their specific configurations have not been disclosed.

Strategic Shift from US to China

Pakistan’s adoption of the Z-10ME follows a prolonged search for a replacement for its AH-1F Cobra fleet. In 2015, the United States approved the sale of AH-1Z Viper helicopters to Pakistan. However, that deal was ultimately stalled due to deteriorating political and security relations between Washington and Islamabad, leaving Pakistan without access to newer American platforms.

This diplomatic impasse opened the door for China to offer its own attack helicopter as a viable alternative. Interest in the Z-10ME had been widely reported in recent years, and the presence of the helicopters with Army markings suggested the program had moved beyond testing. The official induction now confirms that the aircraft are entering operational deployment.

Z-10ME Key Features

The tandem-seat, twin-engine helicopters are equipped with advanced sensors, radar, and electronic warfare suites, the Z-10ME enables precision strike missions against both aerial and ground threats in a range of operational environments.

• All-weather, day/night capable with sophisticated electronic warfare (EW) systems.
• Powered by WZ-9G turboshaft engines optimized for high-altitude and hot-weather performance.
• Combat radius of 800–1,120 km (497–696 miles) and a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).
• Payload capacity of 1,500 kg distributed across six hardpoints.
• Advanced countermeasures include AESA-based missile warning systems and Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM).
• Titanium-ceramic composite armor for enhanced crew protection.
• Z-10ME’s armament upgrades include six weapon stations capable of carrying a mix of anti-tank guided missiles, air-to-air missiles (such as TY-90), and precision-guided missiles (such as CM-502KG and fire-and-forget capability).

Pakistan inducts Chinese Z-10ME attack helicopters as part of ongoing defense modernization effort 🚁 https://t.co/yrVG86DSO2 pic.twitter.com/NaOUwt9UXl

— IRIA (@IRIA_Research) August 2, 2025

Broadening defense cooperation with China

The Z-10ME acquisition is part of a wider trend of deepening Sino-Pakistani military cooperation. Over the past decade, the two countries have expanded joint defense initiatives, including the co-development of the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet and growing procurement of Chinese military equipment by Pakistan’s armed forces.

Field Marshal Munir described the bilateral defense partnership as “pivotal” for regional peace and stability at an event held at Pakistan’s military headquarters to mark the 98th founding anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The army chief stressed that “despite shifting strategic dynamics, the friendship between the two nations has remained steadfast and unshakable.”

Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir recently held a meeting with Zhang Youxia, first-ranked vice-chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, in Beijing on July 25.

The induction also comes at a time of renewed tensions in South Asia and follows aerial combat between archrivals Pakistan and India in May 2025, during which Pakistan’s J-10C fighter jets shot down Indian Rafales amid a brief but intense four-day conflict involving jets, missiles, drones, and artillery.

Read IRIA Report: Inside the Largest Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Aerial Combat between India and Pakistan

Several key questions remain unanswered, including the total number of Z-10ME helicopters Pakistan plans to acquire, their operational roles, and the nature of pilot training or technical support from China. There is alos no confirmation on whether the induction marks the beginning of a broader procurement effort or a limited deployment for evaluation and training.

Nonetheless, the formal entry of the Z-10ME into Pakistan Army service signals a decisive evolution in the country’s rotary-wing combat capability. As Islamabad continues to diversify its defense partnerships amid shifting geopolitical currents, China is poised to remain a central player in shaping Pakistan’s strategic posture in the years to come.

Updated on August 2, 2025.