By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army formally introduced Chinese-made Z-10ME attack helicopters into its aviation fleet Friday, a step military officials call central to its modernization efforts.
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir presided over the induction ceremony at Multan Garrison, followed by a firepower demonstration at the Muzaffargarh Field Firing Ranges that showcased the aircraft’s precision.
The Z-10ME, an advanced all-weather helicopter, strengthens Pakistan’s capacity for day-and-night precision strikes, the military’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. Fitted with cutting-edge radar and electronic warfare systems, it can target both air and ground threats. “This system significantly enhances the modernization of Army Aviation,” the ISPR stated, highlighting its role in boosting combat readiness. The number of helicopters acquired was not disclosed.
The induction arrives amid ongoing friction with India, Pakistan’s nuclear-armed neighbor to the east. Produced by China’s Aviation Industry Corporation, the Z-10ME debuted globally at the Singapore Airshow in February 2024, with Pakistan as its sole confirmed export buyer, Reuters reported. Initial tests of the Z-10 in Pakistan in 2021 fell short, but the upgraded Z-10ME now joins the army’s ranks.
At the firing ranges, Munir praised the troops’ “exceptional professionalism and combat skills,” noting their display of coordinated tactics underscored the army’s focus on modern warfare.
The move signals Pakistan’s growing reliance on China, a longtime ally countering India’s regional clout. Beijing has poured billions into Pakistan via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a $60 billion infrastructure initiative.
Speaking at a separate event Friday marking the 98th anniversary of China’s People’s Liberation Army, Munir called the partnership “pivotal” and “unshakable” despite global shifts. India, meanwhile, is investing $234 million to expand its domestic drone sector, aiming to lessen dependence on foreign technology and match Pakistan’s advances. Relations between the two nations, frayed by a four-day clash earlier this year over an attack in occupied Kashmir, remain tense. Pakistan rejected claims of involvement and urged an independent probe.
Beyond the induction, Munir met with academics and civic leaders at Multan Garrison, stressing national unity and civil-military collaboration to counter “hybrid threats.” The ISPR said he reviewed the army’s operational readiness and voiced confidence in its ability to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty.
The Z-10ME’s arrival marks a tactical and strategic milestone for Pakistan, aligning its military ambitions with China’s support in a volatile region.
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