Pakistan replaces US-made attack helicopters with Chinese Z-10ME/P to strike faster and farther
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As reported by Crazy Baiyang, in July 2025, Pakistan began receiving and operating Chinese-built Z-10ME/P attack helicopters, marking a transition from the aging fleet of U.S.-supplied AH-1F Cobras that had served for over four decades. The Z-10ME/P variant, tailored for Pakistan, began arriving at the end of the previous month. Video footage and imagery confirmed its presence on Pakistani soil, including airframes bearing national markings, dark camouflage, and operational equipment.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
With six hardpoints, the Z-10ME/P can carry up to 16 CM-502KG air-to-ground missiles with 25 km range and fire-and-forget capability, TY-90 air-to-air missiles designed specifically for helicopter dogfighting, and GR5 guided rockets with sub-2-meter accuracy and an 18-meter kill radius. (Picture source: Weibo/疯子白杨)
This delivery follows years of delays in previous procurement efforts with U.S. and Turkish platforms and represents the shift in Pakistan’s rotary-wing capabilities from Western to Chinese systems. The Z-10ME/P helicopters delivered so far lack the mast-mounted millimeter-wave radar dome, though they are equipped with upgraded engines, countermeasures, and electro-optical systems. While no official announcement has specified the number of helicopters delivered or ordered, at least one aircraft with a visible serial number has been observed, and the type has been deployed in counterinsurgency operations in the Bajaur district.
Pakistan’s interest in the Z-10 attack helicopter dates back to 2015, when China provided three aircraft for evaluation. The trials, held at high-altitude sites like Qasim Base and areas above 4,000 meters, revealed the limitations of the then-installed WZ-9 engines, which delivered only 957 kilowatts, making full weapons loadouts unfeasible under high-altitude conditions. Consequently, Pakistan returned the aircraft and pursued alternatives. It signed a $1.5 billion contract with Turkey in 2018 to acquire 30 T129 ATAK helicopters. However, the contract could not proceed due to the U.S. refusal to issue export licenses for the CTS-800-4A engines. After the cancellation of this agreement in 2022, China’s upgraded Z-10ME, featuring the new 1,500 kilowatt WZ-9G engine, emerged as the preferred option. The newer engine boosted output by more than 30% compared to the original model, significantly improving lift, weapons payload, and altitude performance, particularly in high-temperature and high-altitude scenarios such as the Hindu Kush and Siachen regions. The helicopter’s weight increased to approximately 7,000 kg, and features like ceramic composite armor and weapon pylons were fully restored. Its appearance at African and Southeast Asian defense exhibitions in 2024 prompted renewed Pakistani interest.
The Z-10ME/P variant acquired by Pakistan integrates multiple upgrades in propulsion, armament, survivability, and avionics. Engine exhaust outlets have been repositioned upward to reduce infrared signature by 63%, combining with rotor downwash to improve resistance to IR-guided MANPADS. A sand-filtered centrifugal intake allows operations in desert conditions. Armament options have been significantly expanded: from four to six hardpoints, it can now carry up to 16 CM-502KG air-to-ground missiles with 25 km range and fire-and-forget capability, TY-90 air-to-air missiles designed specifically for helicopter dogfighting, and GR5 guided rockets with sub-2-meter accuracy and an 18-meter kill radius. It is also compatible with CM-501XA loitering munitions and SW-6 drones, offering layered standoff and reconnaissance capabilities. The main gun has been upgraded from a 23 mm to a 30 mm chain gun, tripling ammunition capacity and enhancing close-support firepower. Pakistani helicopters were seen armed with CM-series guided munitions in recent footage. These configurations are reported to enable standoff engagements outside of MANPADS range. Some sources suggest the Z-10ME/P may eventually operate alongside UAVs or command platforms using data links to extend sensor and strike range in mountainous terrain.
Protection systems on the Z-10ME/P include modular bolt-on ceramic and graphene-based armor for the cockpit and engine compartments, crash-resistant pilot seating, and self-sealing fuel tanks. Defensive systems feature radar warning receivers, laser warning systems, missile approach warning systems based on ultraviolet detection, and directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM). While Pakistani helicopters were not observed with the mast-mounted millimeter-wave radar dome, the variant does support the radar’s integration. This system offers a 20 km detection range with 360-degree azimuth coverage and is capable of simultaneously tracking up to 16 targets. Its presence on other export units suggests the possibility of later upgrades or selective allocation to certain helicopters within a unit, allowing others to share radar data through encrypted data links.
Avionics enhancements include helmet-mounted sights, thermal imaging sensors, and electro-optical/infrared targeting turrets, as well as glass cockpit displays, head-up displays, and fly-by-wire control systems. The navigation suite integrates BeiDou satellite navigation, inertial systems, Doppler radar, radio altimeters, and IFF transponders. The helicopter’s combat range is reported between 800 and 1,120 kilometers, with a flight endurance of up to 3.5 hours. Its maximum operating ceiling reaches 6,000 meters. During high-altitude tests in areas such as the Khunjerab Pass and Karakoram Range, the Z-10ME reportedly maintained full payloads with only 18 percent engine power loss. Its maneuverability at low altitude and in confined terrain was a key factor in its selection. Exercises showed performance advantages over the AH-64E Guardian, which reportedly needed to remove the Longbow radar to reduce weight under similar conditions.
Pakistan has framed the acquisition of the Z-10ME/P within the context of broader military modernization and increasing defense cooperation with China. The helicopters are being integrated into a combined arms doctrine featuring VT-4 main battle tanks, SH-15 155 mm truck-mounted howitzers, and the Chinese-built J-10CE and JF-17 Block III fighters. These systems operate with networked command and control and coordinated ISR coverage. Reports from recent exercises indicate that a Z-10ME-equipped strike group, using information relayed from ZDK-03 airborne early warning platforms, engaged simulated enemy positions within seconds of detection. The procurement cost per Z-10ME is estimated at $15 million, with a flight-hour cost of approximately $38,000, which is about half that of the AH-64E Apache. The initial batch may consist of around 30 aircraft, forming at least one dedicated attack helicopter regiment.
India’s response to Pakistan’s induction of the Z-10ME has included reinforcing border deployments of the AH-64E and increasing air patrols with Su-30MKI and Rafale fighters. Indian analysts note that while the Apache outperforms in terms of payload and armor protection, Pakistan’s new platform introduces asymmetric features such as long-range loitering munitions and faster sensor-to-shooter cycles. The inclusion of dedicated helicopter air-to-air missiles and wider battlefield integration may enable the Z-10ME/P to challenge Indian operations in forward zones like Ladakh and Kashmir. Indian rotary-wing aircraft, including Apaches and Mi-17s, may be required to operate with tighter escort and air-defense support.
For China, the delivery of the Z-10ME to Pakistan represents the first confirmed export of its dedicated attack helicopter platform and supports its defense export objectives. AVIC has promoted the Z-10ME at international exhibitions such as the 2024 Singapore Air Show, 2024 Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) show, and Zhuhai Air Show, positioning the model as an alternative to U.S., European, and Russian platforms. Alongside the Z-10ME, China has also proposed the J-35 stealth fighter and advanced Hangor-class submarines to Pakistan. The helicopter’s deployment in combat zones and integration into Pakistan’s military structure is expected to serve as a reference for other nations considering non-Western rotary-wing platforms. Further developments may include radar upgrades, collaborative ISR operations with UAVs, and potential co-production or joint training arrangements.
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As reported by Crazy Baiyang, in July 2025, Pakistan began receiving and operating Chinese-built Z-10ME/P attack helicopters, marking a transition from the aging fleet of U.S.-supplied AH-1F Cobras that had served for over four decades. The Z-10ME/P variant, tailored for Pakistan, began arriving at the end of the previous month. Video footage and imagery confirmed its presence on Pakistani soil, including airframes bearing national markings, dark camouflage, and operational equipment.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
With six hardpoints, the Z-10ME/P can carry up to 16 CM-502KG air-to-ground missiles with 25 km range and fire-and-forget capability, TY-90 air-to-air missiles designed specifically for helicopter dogfighting, and GR5 guided rockets with sub-2-meter accuracy and an 18-meter kill radius. (Picture source: Weibo/疯子白杨)
This delivery follows years of delays in previous procurement efforts with U.S. and Turkish platforms and represents the shift in Pakistan’s rotary-wing capabilities from Western to Chinese systems. The Z-10ME/P helicopters delivered so far lack the mast-mounted millimeter-wave radar dome, though they are equipped with upgraded engines, countermeasures, and electro-optical systems. While no official announcement has specified the number of helicopters delivered or ordered, at least one aircraft with a visible serial number has been observed, and the type has been deployed in counterinsurgency operations in the Bajaur district.
Pakistan’s interest in the Z-10 attack helicopter dates back to 2015, when China provided three aircraft for evaluation. The trials, held at high-altitude sites like Qasim Base and areas above 4,000 meters, revealed the limitations of the then-installed WZ-9 engines, which delivered only 957 kilowatts, making full weapons loadouts unfeasible under high-altitude conditions. Consequently, Pakistan returned the aircraft and pursued alternatives. It signed a $1.5 billion contract with Turkey in 2018 to acquire 30 T129 ATAK helicopters. However, the contract could not proceed due to the U.S. refusal to issue export licenses for the CTS-800-4A engines. After the cancellation of this agreement in 2022, China’s upgraded Z-10ME, featuring the new 1,500 kilowatt WZ-9G engine, emerged as the preferred option. The newer engine boosted output by more than 30% compared to the original model, significantly improving lift, weapons payload, and altitude performance, particularly in high-temperature and high-altitude scenarios such as the Hindu Kush and Siachen regions. The helicopter’s weight increased to approximately 7,000 kg, and features like ceramic composite armor and weapon pylons were fully restored. Its appearance at African and Southeast Asian defense exhibitions in 2024 prompted renewed Pakistani interest.
The Z-10ME/P variant acquired by Pakistan integrates multiple upgrades in propulsion, armament, survivability, and avionics. Engine exhaust outlets have been repositioned upward to reduce infrared signature by 63%, combining with rotor downwash to improve resistance to IR-guided MANPADS. A sand-filtered centrifugal intake allows operations in desert conditions. Armament options have been significantly expanded: from four to six hardpoints, it can now carry up to 16 CM-502KG air-to-ground missiles with 25 km range and fire-and-forget capability, TY-90 air-to-air missiles designed specifically for helicopter dogfighting, and GR5 guided rockets with sub-2-meter accuracy and an 18-meter kill radius. It is also compatible with CM-501XA loitering munitions and SW-6 drones, offering layered standoff and reconnaissance capabilities. The main gun has been upgraded from a 23 mm to a 30 mm chain gun, tripling ammunition capacity and enhancing close-support firepower. Pakistani helicopters were seen armed with CM-series guided munitions in recent footage. These configurations are reported to enable standoff engagements outside of MANPADS range. Some sources suggest the Z-10ME/P may eventually operate alongside UAVs or command platforms using data links to extend sensor and strike range in mountainous terrain.
Protection systems on the Z-10ME/P include modular bolt-on ceramic and graphene-based armor for the cockpit and engine compartments, crash-resistant pilot seating, and self-sealing fuel tanks. Defensive systems feature radar warning receivers, laser warning systems, missile approach warning systems based on ultraviolet detection, and directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM). While Pakistani helicopters were not observed with the mast-mounted millimeter-wave radar dome, the variant does support the radar’s integration. This system offers a 20 km detection range with 360-degree azimuth coverage and is capable of simultaneously tracking up to 16 targets. Its presence on other export units suggests the possibility of later upgrades or selective allocation to certain helicopters within a unit, allowing others to share radar data through encrypted data links.
Avionics enhancements include helmet-mounted sights, thermal imaging sensors, and electro-optical/infrared targeting turrets, as well as glass cockpit displays, head-up displays, and fly-by-wire control systems. The navigation suite integrates BeiDou satellite navigation, inertial systems, Doppler radar, radio altimeters, and IFF transponders. The helicopter’s combat range is reported between 800 and 1,120 kilometers, with a flight endurance of up to 3.5 hours. Its maximum operating ceiling reaches 6,000 meters. During high-altitude tests in areas such as the Khunjerab Pass and Karakoram Range, the Z-10ME reportedly maintained full payloads with only 18 percent engine power loss. Its maneuverability at low altitude and in confined terrain was a key factor in its selection. Exercises showed performance advantages over the AH-64E Guardian, which reportedly needed to remove the Longbow radar to reduce weight under similar conditions.
Pakistan has framed the acquisition of the Z-10ME/P within the context of broader military modernization and increasing defense cooperation with China. The helicopters are being integrated into a combined arms doctrine featuring VT-4 main battle tanks, SH-15 155 mm truck-mounted howitzers, and the Chinese-built J-10CE and JF-17 Block III fighters. These systems operate with networked command and control and coordinated ISR coverage. Reports from recent exercises indicate that a Z-10ME-equipped strike group, using information relayed from ZDK-03 airborne early warning platforms, engaged simulated enemy positions within seconds of detection. The procurement cost per Z-10ME is estimated at $15 million, with a flight-hour cost of approximately $38,000, which is about half that of the AH-64E Apache. The initial batch may consist of around 30 aircraft, forming at least one dedicated attack helicopter regiment.
India’s response to Pakistan’s induction of the Z-10ME has included reinforcing border deployments of the AH-64E and increasing air patrols with Su-30MKI and Rafale fighters. Indian analysts note that while the Apache outperforms in terms of payload and armor protection, Pakistan’s new platform introduces asymmetric features such as long-range loitering munitions and faster sensor-to-shooter cycles. The inclusion of dedicated helicopter air-to-air missiles and wider battlefield integration may enable the Z-10ME/P to challenge Indian operations in forward zones like Ladakh and Kashmir. Indian rotary-wing aircraft, including Apaches and Mi-17s, may be required to operate with tighter escort and air-defense support.
For China, the delivery of the Z-10ME to Pakistan represents the first confirmed export of its dedicated attack helicopter platform and supports its defense export objectives. AVIC has promoted the Z-10ME at international exhibitions such as the 2024 Singapore Air Show, 2024 Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) show, and Zhuhai Air Show, positioning the model as an alternative to U.S., European, and Russian platforms. Alongside the Z-10ME, China has also proposed the J-35 stealth fighter and advanced Hangor-class submarines to Pakistan. The helicopter’s deployment in combat zones and integration into Pakistan’s military structure is expected to serve as a reference for other nations considering non-Western rotary-wing platforms. Further developments may include radar upgrades, collaborative ISR operations with UAVs, and potential co-production or joint training arrangements.
