Pakistan is reportedly receiving deliveries of the Chinese-built Z-10ME attack helicopter, marking a significant development in its ongoing efforts to upgrade its military aviation capabilities. While neither Islamabad nor Beijing has officially confirmed the transfer, credible visuals circulating online depict the aircraft bearing Pakistan Army insignia.
The new acquisitions are likely intended to replace the aging AH-1F Cobra helicopters that Pakistan has operated since the 1980s. Although the US approved a sale of AH-1Z Viper helicopters to Pakistan in 2015, political tensions between the two nations halted the deal’s execution.
With the US pulling back, China presented the Z-10ME as a viable alternative. The aircraft, designed for export, offers advanced capabilities suited to modern battlefield conditions and fills a strategic gap left by the suspended American supply.
Despite years of speculation about Pakistan’s potential procurement of the Z-10, the appearance of operational units suggests the program has moved into the deployment phase. This also signals closer defense ties between China and Pakistan amid shifting regional alliances.
