The Pakistani Army has got yet another weapon from China, and this time, it's not a missile or fighter jet but a combat helicopter. Alarmed by India's acquisition of the American Apache AH-64E helicopters, Pakistan rushed into the lap of China to get an equivalent. Now, China has delivered its Z-10ME Combat Helicopters to the Pakistani Army, as confirmed by visuals that have gone viral on social media. However, there is no official word on the delivery either from China or Pakistan. According to reports, Pakistan is planning to deploy these helicopters in the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and near the Line of Control. Now, the question is - Should India be worried? Let's find out:
)
The Z-10ME is a modern attack helicopter developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC), a subsidiary of China’s state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Over the past two decades, AVIC has spearheaded China’s transformation into a formidable player in the global aerospace and defence sector. The Z-10ME is a direct result of this push — a next-generation platform designed for dynamic, high-threat environments.
At the heart of the Z-10ME lies a pair of WZ-9C turboshaft engines, each producing around 1,200 kilowatts of power. This high-output configuration addresses the altitude-related performance issues that typically hinder helicopter operations in mountainous terrain such as the Himalayas. The aircraft is purpose-built to maintain thrust and lift in thin air, giving it an operational edge in high-altitude warfare.
The Z-10ME features a tandem-seat cockpit and a sleek, narrow fuselage designed for manoeuvrability in rugged environments. Its aerodynamic profile allows for fast, terrain-hugging flight — essential for evasive tactics, pop-up attacks, and quick ingress/egress missions in complex landscapes. The design is particularly well-suited for missions requiring low observability and rapid response.
A standout feature of the Z-10ME is its upward-angled exhausts and built-in infrared suppression system. This engineering choice significantly reduces the helicopter’s heat signature, offering increased survivability against heat-seeking man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) and infrared-guided missiles. In theatres where such threats are common, this defensive capability is vital.
The Z-10ME is reported to reach speeds of up to 300 km/h, with a combat range between 800 and 1,120 kilometres depending on load and fuel configuration. Its operational ceiling is estimated at 6,000 metres, making it suitable for high-altitude missions. With an empty weight of about 5,100 kilograms and a maximum take-off weight close to 7,200 kilograms, the helicopter is well-equipped for long-range loiter and deep strike missions.
In terms of firepower, the Z-10ME is armed with a 23mm chin-mounted cannon for strafing ground targets. Its stub wings house up to four hardpoints per side, supporting a diverse mix of ordnance. This includes up to 16 HJ-10 or AKD-10 anti-tank guided missiles, multiple rocket pod options (including pods with seven or thirty-two tubes), and TY-90 short-range air-to-air missiles for defensive counter-air missions. This wide array of weapons enables the Z-10ME to perform precision strikes, suppress enemy positions, and provide close air support in complex combat zones.
The Z-10ME and the AH-64E Apache are dedicated attack helicopters built for close air support, anti-armour missions, and limited air-to-air engagements. However, the Apache reflects decades of combat refinement and Western operational experience, while the Z-10ME represents China’s bid to field a homegrown, high-performance alternative. The Apache is heavier, more heavily armoured, and integrated with advanced network-centric warfare systems, including the Longbow radar for target acquisition. In contrast, the Z-10ME offers a lighter, more agile platform with high-altitude performance advantages tailored for mountainous terrain, emphasizing survivability through infrared signature suppression and mobility.
The Apache AH-64E typically fields a 30mm chain gun, Hellfire missiles, Hydra rockets, and advanced avionics including sensor fusion, datalinks, and real-time UAV control — making it a highly networked battlefield asset. The Z-10ME, while less integrated in terms of battlefield connectivity, compensates with a strong weapon suite that includes a 23mm cannon, up to 16 anti-tank guided missiles, and TY-90 air-to-air missiles. While the Apache still holds a technological edge in targeting, communication, and combat data systems, the Z-10ME is rapidly closing the gap with localized innovations aimed at boosting lethality and survivability in diverse combat zones.
Newsletter
