This article is written by Major (r) Haroon Rasheed. The writer is a Defense & Strategic Affairs Analyst.
In a move that signals a major advancement in its rotary-wing strike capabilities, Pakistan has begun deploying the Chinese-made Z-10ME attack helicopters, with confirmed sources indicating a fleet size of over 40 helicopters, though the exact number remains undisclosed. This development marks a significant evolution in Pakistan’s aerial offensive doctrine, especially in the context of India’s Apache helicopter fleet.
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From Rejection to Selection: The Z-10ME Journey
Interestingly, Pakistan had initially rejected the base version of the Z-10, citing concerns over engine performance, payload limitations, and combat endurance. Instead, it opted for the Turkish T129 ATAK and the American AH-1Z Viper. However, both procurement efforts faced critical setbacks:
The U.S. blocked engine export licenses to Turkey, halting the delivery of the T129 ATAK helicopters.
The AH-1Z Viper delivery to Pakistan was cancelled due to political and diplomatic tensions between Islamabad and Washington.
These setbacks forced Pakistan to reconsider the Z-10ME, which had since undergone major upgrades in both performance and weapon systems, making it a viable and competitive platform in the region.
Z-10ME: Features and Firepower
The upgraded Z-10ME now incorporates a more powerful and reliable engine, improved avionics, and multiple weapon enhancements. It is a dedicated attack helicopter designed for close air support, anti-armor operations, and battlefield superiority.
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Three standout capabilities now define the Z-10ME platform
1. Loitering Cruise Missiles – These provide long-range, fire-and-forget capabilities, allowing the Z-10ME to strike high-value targets with pinpoint accuracy while staying outside enemy radar range.
2. UAV Integration – The helicopter can coordinate with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for real-time battlefield awareness, target acquisition, and extended reconnaissance. This enhances situational awareness and allows joint air-ground mission execution.
3. Anti-Ship Missile Capability – A major leap in capability, this feature gives Pakistan’s Army Aviation the ability to project power in littoral and riverine zones, something India’s Apaches currently do not offer.
In addition to these, the Z-10ME can carry a wide range of air-to-ground missiles, unguided rockets, air-to-air missiles, and a nose-mounted cannon. It features composite armor, IR suppressors, and electronic warfare countermeasures, making it survivable in contested environments.
Apache vs Z-10ME: A Comparative Outlook
India currently operates 24 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, with an additional order of 6 helicopters placed more than 18 months ago. Due to delays, only 3 are expected to be delivered in July 2025.
While the Apache remains one of the most battle-tested platforms globally, it comes at a significantly higher cost, both in procurement and operational expenses. In contrast:
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Feature Z-10ME Apache AH-64E
Cost per unit Lower (approx. $17–20M) Higher (approx. $35–40M)
Operational endurance Competitive, optimized for hot & high conditions High, but expensive to maintain
Weapon loadout Advanced missiles, anti-ship, UAV integration Heavy payload, lacks anti-ship capability
Loitering munitions Integrated Limited
UAV coordination Yes No
The Z-10ME may not match the Apache in brute force, but offers far superior cost-efficiency, flexibility, and multi-domain capabilities — especially with its integration of UAVs and naval strike options.
Strategic Implications
Pakistan’s decision to deploy over 40 Z-10MEs is not just about hardware — it’s a strategic message. The induction reflects a shift from reliance on Western defense systems to a more diversified and autonomous procurement policy, largely pivoting toward China and other emerging defense partners.
This move could reshape tactical doctrines along the Line of Control and internal security operations. The ability to use loitering munitions and real-time ISR coordination with drones could give Pakistan a tactical edge in swift-response and precision-strike operations.
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Conclusion
Pakistan’s deployment of the Z-10ME helicopters in significant numbers marks a clear technological and doctrinal shift. The helicopter’s enhanced features, combined with its affordability and operational diversity, make it a strategic equalizer against India’s Apache force.
As India struggles with delays and rising costs in its Apache program, Pakistan has quietly but effectively filled the rotary-wing attack gap — not just with numbers, but with a platform tailored to its emerging battlefield needs.
The Z-10ME isn’t just a helicopter — it’s a signal of Pakistan’s evolving defense vision.
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This article is written by Major (r) Haroon Rasheed. The writer is a Defense & Strategic Affairs Analyst.
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