The Pakistan Army has added the highly advanced Z-10ME attack helicopter to its aviation fleet, significantly boosting the country’s combat and reconnaissance capabilities. The official induction took place during a visit by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to Multan Garrison, as confirmed by military sources. With this addition, the army aims to modernize its aviation assets and enhance operational effectiveness across diverse combat scenarios.
The Z-10ME, developed by China as an export variant, has been described as a strong rival to the US-made Apache helicopter. The model introduced to Pakistan incorporates major upgrades based on earlier aviation trials, including improved radar, weapon systems, and electronic warfare suites. These enhancements allow the helicopter to perform effectively in all weather conditions, during both day and night operations.
A key feature of the Z-10ME is its upgraded cannon, which has been repositioned to optimize the helicopter’s balance. Outfitted with six external hardpoints, the helicopter can carry up to three tons of various air-to-ground and air-to-air munitions. This versatility enables the Z-10ME to adapt to multiple mission profiles, from anti-armor strikes to aerial combat.
The helicopter distinguishes itself through advanced combat systems, including the CM501XA miniature cruise missile. This missile is equipped with an X-band radar for improved movement tracking and a datalink for real-time target relay, enabling quick response against high-value or time-sensitive targets. The CM501XA’s dual role in reconnaissance and strike missions adds significant flexibility to the helicopter’s operational reach.
Further enhancing its modern arsenal, the Z-10ME can launch the SW-6 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) directly from its body. This compact drone, with a flight endurance of up to one hour and payload capacity of 5 kilograms, supports reconnaissance or autonomous missions, greatly extending the helicopter’s situational awareness and battlefield intelligence capabilities.
The Z-10ME has also been equipped for maritime operations, carrying the ET60 lightweight “Fish Fight” torpedo for anti-submarine warfare. With its range of 25 kilometers and speed of 50 kilometers per hour, this weapon expands the helicopter’s mission profile to include naval threats, beyond its traditional land-based roles.
Compatible weaponry for the Z-10ME includes the TY-90 air-to-air missile, the CM-502AG air-to-ground missile, and the VX Fire-and-Forget missile, which is similar to the American Hellfire variant. The platform also supports a range of both guided and unguided rocket systems, giving it formidable firepower against a variety of targets.
One of the notable upgrades in this model is the WZ-9 engine, delivering 30 percent more power than standard versions. Producing between 1,200 and 1,300 kilowatts, the engine boosts the Z-10ME’s payload capacity and high-altitude performance, making it particularly effective in challenging environments such as mountainous or high-temperature regions.
Operational efficiency is further increased by improvements to the helicopter’s intake and exhaust systems. A redesigned sand filter and larger air intakes allow reliable performance in dusty or desert conditions, while the adjusted upward-facing exhaust reduces the helicopter’s infrared signature. This makes it harder for enemy heat-seeking missiles to detect and engage the aircraft—a crucial defense against modern anti-air threats.
Collectively, these technological and structural advancements position the Z-10ME as a cutting-edge asset in the Pakistan Army’s arsenal, enhancing its offensive, defensive, and reconnaissance capabilities and setting new standards for regional attack helicopter performance.
