Pakistan Army inducts Z‑10ME Chinese attack helicopter

Pakistan Army Inducts Chinese Z‑10ME Attack Helicopters to Boost Battlefield Power

Muzaffargarh, August 2, 2025   In a major leap toward battlefield modernization, the Pakistan Army has officially inducted the Z‑10ME Chinese attack helicopter, a state-of-the-art military helicopter equipped for advanced precision strike and high-threat operations. The move strengthens Pakistan’s integrated battlefield response and signals a deeper alignment with China–Pakistan defense cooperation.

The induction ceremony was held at the Muzaffargarh Field Firing Ranges, where Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir presided over the event and observed a live firepower demonstration of the newly acquired attack helicopter fleet.

Modern Battlefield, Modern Weapons

The Z‑10ME is an export-grade Chinese helicopter, purpose-built for all-weather, day-and-night combat missions. It comes equipped with cutting-edge radar systems, electronic warfare suites, and precision-guided missiles, making it capable of engaging both aerial and ground threats across various terrains including mountains, deserts, and urban zones.

“This state-of-the-art, all-weather platform significantly enhances the army’s capability to engage diverse threats,” noted a senior military official at the ceremony.

The firepower demo included missile launches, loitering drone integrations, and tactical maneuvers showcasing the Z‑10ME’s battlefield adaptability.

Strategic Leap for Army Aviation

This induction of the Z‑10ME military helicopter is part of a broader shift in Pakistan’s defense strategy. Moving away from Western-supplied platforms, which faced licensing barriers and embargoes, the Pakistan Army now turns to Chinese attack helicopters to replace legacy systems like the AH-1F Cobra.

“The induction of this potent system is a major leap in the modernization of Army Aviation,” said Field Marshal Asim Munir. “It reinforces our integrated battlefield response and will deliver decisive results in modern combat environments.”

Initial deliveries are reported to include 4–8 helicopters, with a full acquisition plan extending up to 60 units by 2026–27. The Z‑10ME offers significantly improved altitude performance, targeting systems, and survivability over earlier variants.

Symbol of Pak-China Defense Ties

The Z‑10ME was unveiled internationally at the Singapore Airshow 2024 by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China. Pakistan is the only confirmed export customer to date, emphasizing a strong and growing defense partnership with China. The acquisition fills a key operational gap in Pakistan’s attack helicopter capability.

The platform comes armed with:

• 30 mm chain gun

• CM‑502KG precision missiles

• TY‑90 air-to-air missiles

• Advanced radar and electronic warfare systems

• Loitering munitions and drone compatibility

The helicopter’s design supports high survivability in hostile environments, with composite armor, radar warning receivers, infrared suppression systems, and terrain-optimized propulsion.

COAS Highlights Civil-Military Synergy

Following the induction ceremony, COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Multan Garrison, where he met with members of civil society and academia. During the interaction, he emphasized the importance of national unity, civil-military cooperation, and a whole-of-nation approach to countering hybrid threats.

The army chief reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty, modernizing its operational forces, and maintaining combat readiness with modern defense platforms like the Z‑10ME attack helicopter.

Fact Sheet: Z‑10ME Helicopter Induction – Key Details

Image/Video Credits

Credit: ISPR / Pakistan Army official photos released August 2, 2025 via Dawn and Pakistan Today