The Pakistan Army Aviation Corps has officially begun receiving the Chinese-made Z-10ME attack helicopters, replacing the aging fleet of AH-1F Cobras in service since the 1980s. Images recently surfaced online showing Z-10MEs bearing Pakistan Army markings, confirming the induction.
The Z-10ME is an export variant of China’s Z-10, developed by the Changhe Aircraft Industry Corporation under AVIC. It features upgraded survivability, electronic warfare capabilities, and improved targeting systems. Though the models delivered to Pakistan reportedly lack the millimeter-wave radar seen in some versions, they retain advanced electro-optical targeting and countermeasure systems.
This shift comes after the U.S. halted deliveries of AH-1Z Vipers due to political tensions. A parallel order of 30 T129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey also stalled, as Ankara couldn’t secure U.S. export licenses for the engines. China thus stepped in with the Z-10ME, filling a strategic gap.
Defense analysts believe this marks a broader modernization phase and further deepening of Pakistan-China military cooperation, following joint programs like the JF-17 Thunder. The Z-10ME’s arrival not only boosts Pakistan’s attack capabilities but signals Beijing’s expanding defense footprint in South Asia.
According to Turkish defense outlet savunmasanayist.com
