Pakistan to deploy 30 Chinese Z-10ME attack helicopters in Himalayan region? Blogger reveals reported deal, features and weapon

Pakistan may have contracted to acquire 30 Chinese-made Z-10ME attack helicopters, according to an image circulating on Chinese social media that was shared by a prominent military blogger, as reported SCMP. The reported order, if confirmed, would mark a major addition to the Pakistan Army Aviation fleet as Islamabad looks to modernise its attack helicopter capabilities with Chinese equipment.

The image was shared by a military blogger known as Sashoujian, who claimed that China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) signed an export contract with Pakistan's Ministry of Defence Production on July 11 for 30 Z-10ME helicopters, along with associated products and services.

However, the post did not specify the year in which the agreement was signed. Neither Beijing nor Islamabad has officially confirmed the reported order, its financial details or the delivery schedule. The image circulating online has also not been independently verified.


The claim is significant because it provides the first specific figure for Pakistan's reported Z-10ME fleet since the country's military formally inducted the helicopters into service in August 2025.

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Chinese blogger reveals reported 30-helicopter deal with Pakistan

In his social media post, Sashoujian described the agreement as a breakthrough for China's military exports, claiming it was the first time domestically produced main battle attack helicopters had been exported as a complete unit.

The post identified CATIC and Pakistan's Ministry of Defence Production as the parties to the reported agreement. The ministry became the Defence Industrial Production and Regulatory Authority in June 2026, although the blogger did not clarify when the contract was signed.

Previous media reports had indicated that Pakistan was seeking to acquire as many as 40 helicopters from China's Z-10 series as early as 2022. The latest claim suggests that the reported procurement could involve 30 aircraft, although the actual order size remains unconfirmed.

Pakistan's military had described the induction of the Z-10ME as a major step towards modernising its army aviation capabilities.

Why Pakistan is looking to acquire Chinese Z-10ME attack helicopters

The reported procurement follows Pakistan's unsuccessful attempts to acquire attack helicopters from other countries. Islamabad had earlier pursued the US-made AH-1Z Viper and Turkey's T129 ATAK, but both procurement efforts collapsed amid Western export restrictions.

The Z-10ME would strengthen a fleet that has relied for decades on US-built AH-1F Cobra helicopters and a smaller number of Russian Mi-35 Hind assault helicopters.

The approximately six-tonne Z-10ME is an export version of China's Z-10 attack helicopter, which is operated by the People's Liberation Army's ground and air forces. First unveiled at China's Zhuhai Airshow in 2018, the export variant made its overseas debut at the Singapore Airshow in 2024.

Its induction also reflects the growing role of Chinese-origin aircraft in Pakistan's military inventory.

Z-10ME attack helicopter: Engines, sensors and high-altitude capabilities

The Z-10ME is an upgraded version of the standard Z-10, with improvements to its propulsion, sensors, electronic warfare systems and survivability features.

The helicopter is powered by upgraded WZ-9C turboshaft engines, which reportedly provide greater power output than the engines used in the standard variant. Its operational ceiling is around 6,000 metres, a capability that could be relevant to Pakistan's mountainous border regions.

The helicopter also features dust and sand filtration systems over its engine intakes, designed to improve reliability in challenging operating environments.

One of its notable additions is a mast-mounted millimetre-wave radar above the main rotor. This allows the helicopter to scan for potential targets while remaining partially concealed behind terrain features such as ridges and tree lines.

Its nose-mounted Target Acquisition and Designation System (TADS) combines forward-looking infrared imaging, television cameras and a laser rangefinder and designator to support target detection and engagement during day and night operations.

Weapons and electronic warfare systems of the Z-10ME

The Z-10ME is designed to carry a combination of anti-tank missiles, air-to-air weapons, rockets and a cannon.

Its reported weapons capabilities include:

• Anti-tank guided missiles: The helicopter can carry up to 16 anti-tank missiles, including the KD-9, KD-10 and HJ-10, with laser-guided engagement capabilities and reported standoff ranges of up to 10 km.
• Air-to-air missiles: It can be equipped with TY-90 or PL-90 missiles for self-defence and engagements involving enemy helicopters and low-flying aerial threats.
• Cannon and rockets: A chin-mounted 23mm chain gun provides close-range firepower, while rocket pods can carry guided or unguided rockets.

The upgraded helicopter also features electronic warfare and defensive systems intended to improve its chances of surviving in contested airspace. These include a Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS), radar warning receivers, laser warning receivers and automated chaff and flare dispensers.

Additional armour around the tandem cockpit is designed to protect the crew against small-arms fire and shrapnel. In the tandem configuration, the gunner sits in the front seat and the pilot occupies the rear seat.

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China's growing role in Pakistan's military inventory

The reported helicopter agreement comes amid Pakistan's increasing reliance on Chinese military aircraft and equipment.

During the India-Pakistan military confrontation in May 2025, Pakistan claimed that its Chinese-made J-10CE fighters had shot down Indian-operated French Rafale aircraft. The claim was part of Islamabad's account of the conflict and should not be treated as independent confirmation of the reported engagements.

The Z-10ME is also operated by China's People's Liberation Army and has featured in military exercises near the country's border with India and in the Taiwan Strait. Chinese state media have previously showcased the helicopter operating in the high-altitude Tibetan region.

If the reported 30-helicopter contract is confirmed, it would represent another significant addition to Pakistan's Chinese-origin combat aircraft inventory. For now, however, the reported order size and delivery arrangements remain unverified.