Pakistan is doubling down on its commitment to Chinese-made weapons, while the Indians are doing the same with Western systems. It will be interesting to see who wins the next encounter.
Tensions on the Indian subcontinent continue simmering after the four-day-long conflict between India and Pakistan came to a ceasefire in early May this year. Since that ceasefire was enacted, though, Islamabad and New Delhi have danced around each other, arguing about various injustices allegedly perpetrated by each side and building up their forces to counter what many fear will be a continuation of hostilities.
After reports indicated that the Indian military had acquired six AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from the Americans, Pakistan’s military is believed to have deployed 40 Chinese-made Z-10ME attack helicopters in response.
Why Does Pakistan Want Chinese Helicopters?
Since the Indo-Pakistani War of May 2025, China’s arms industry has been on a remarkable winning streak. That’s because the Pakistani Air Force (PAF), despite being outmatched by the Western-provided arms of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the opening phases of the war, managed to fight to at least a draw—and apparently shoot down several of India’s far more expensive European-made aircraft in the process. Now, the world might be seeing yet another iteration of this surge in Chinese-made platforms countering Western systems.
It’s important to understand that the US AH-64 Apache is the world’s best attack helicopter. Should the Pakistanis somehow beat the Apache in combat using Chinese-made Z10MEs, that would be a significant event for China’s defense export industry.
The Z-10ME is a heavily modernized variant of China’s Z-10 helicopter that has been tailored for export—and specifically designed to compete with both the American Apache and the Russian Mi-28 “Havoc” helicopters. The Z-10ME is powered by the WZ-9G turboshaft engine, delivering around 1,600-horsepower (a significant improvement over earlier WZ-9 engines).
China has included some notable upgrades in the Z-10ME, too. The bird’s avionics are superior to previous Z-10 variants. There is a helmet-mounted sight, laser rangefinder, and thermal imaging sensors for night operations.
Various pro-Pakistan social media accounts speculated that the Z-10MEs might have even been equipped with laser weapons. There are no known directed-energy weapons (DEWs) onboard these helicopters. However, the Z-10ME is equipped with laser-guided munitions such as the CM-502KG air-to-ground missile, which uses laser seekers for precision targeting. An integrated electro-optical (EO) countermeasure system with laser warning receivers and likely laser jamming stations are also onboard the Z-10ME.
As for the Z-10ME’s armaments, they come with a 23mm Chin-Mounted cannon that provides close-air support (CAS) and anti-infantry capabilities to the PAF.
Four external hardpoints line this craft, allowing it to carry up to 16 anti-tank guided missiles, air-to-air missiles (like the TY-90), or rocket pods (such as the FS70B 70mm rockets). Altogether, the helicopter can carry up to 3,307 pounds. What’s more, the Z-10ME has a larger magazine than its predecessors that triples the size of the ammunition belts compared to the base model Z-10.
The armor for the Z-10ME is graphene-based and ceramic composite armor panels that protect the cockpit and engines, offering good resistance to small-arms fire. Upward-facing exhaust nozzles reduce the helicopter’s infrared signature, lowering the risk of infrared missile lock-ons.
A missile approach warning system (MAWS), radar warning receiver (RWR), directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM), and chaff/flare dispensers round out the defensive capabilities of this bird.
China’s Z-10ME uses a millimeter-wave fire control radar (similar to the Apache’s Longbow system) that is mounted above the rotor for long-range target detection. Multi-purpose AEDA radar panels enable passive signal detection, missile warning, and active jamming.
The Z-10ME has a combat range of around 498 miles and a maximum speed of about 168 miles per hour, as well as improved maneuverability due to the Z-10ME’s fly-by-wire control system.
Understanding the Limits of the Z-10ME Helicopter
Of course, the Z-10ME has never been combat-tested, unlike the iconic Apache. And while the Z-10ME’s WZ-9G engine is an improvement from previous Chinese-made engines, its effectiveness in extreme high-altitude conditions—particularly the thin air of Kashmir, high up in the Himalayas—remains unproven.
In all, Pakistan is doubling-down on its commitment to Chinese-made weapons and platforms, while the Indians are doing the same with Western systems.
When the next round of fighting between India and Pakistan, the Z-10ME will be on the frontlines—and it will be interesting to see if the Pakistanis get similar results from this Chinese helicopter that their Chinese-made J-10C warplanes and PL-15 air-to-air missiles got in the last round of fighting on the subcontinent.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert, a Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest as well as a contributor at Popular Mechanics, who consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, the Asia Times, and countless others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
