In response to India’s powerful display during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has hastily inducted Chinese-made Z-10ME attack helicopters into its air force. These helicopters, developed by China’s Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation, had earlier failed tests in Pakistan and were returned. However, under growing strategic pressure and military tension with India, Pakistan has now decided to include them in its fleet, raising serious questions about their capabilities and effectiveness against India’s superior indigenous and imported aerial assets.

The Z-10ME Returns After Initial Rejection

Pakistan’s decision to include the Z-10ME helicopters is seen as a hurried move, especially considering the aircraft were previously returned due to underperformance in trials. According to sources, the helicopters were rejected in earlier assessments due to shortcomings in battlefield capabilities. Now, with minor upgrades and modifications, China has managed to re-supply them to Pakistan. This reflects a deepening military dependency and strategic alignment between Islamabad and Beijing, driven by the fear of India’s growing aerial dominance.

The inclusion ceremony took place at Multan Aviation Base, where the helicopters were officially inducted into service. Pakistani officials claim the Z-10ME is one of the most advanced models in China’s arsenal, equipped with upgraded radars and electronic warfare systems. However, military analysts suggest that these helicopters may not stand a chance against India’s fleet, especially when matched with indigenous platforms like the LCH Prachand and American AH-64 Apache helicopters.

China’s Z-10ME: Capabilities and Limitations

The Z-10ME is a twin-engine attack helicopter developed primarily for combat and reconnaissance missions. It has a payload capacity of approximately 1500 kilograms and is designed for all-weather operations, including night combat. According to Chinese sources, this is the first time that the advanced variant of the Z-10 has been exported. However, it remains unclear how many units Pakistan has acquired.

These helicopters are equipped with modern radar systems, target acquisition sensors, and countermeasure technologies, making them seemingly capable of surviving in electronically contested environments. Nonetheless, questions remain about their operational performance under real combat situations, especially in the mountainous and rugged terrains along the India-Pakistan border.

While Pakistan is promoting the Z-10ME as a major boost to its aging air fleet, the reality appears more complicated. The country’s air force has long relied on outdated platforms such as the American AH-1 Cobra and the Russian Mi-35 Hind, both of which are now considered obsolete by modern standards. The Chinese Z-10ME may be newer, but its actual performance in warfare has not been convincingly demonstrated.

Operation Sindoor: A Strategic Wake-Up Call for Pakistan

The recent Operation Sindoor carried out by Indian armed forces has significantly impacted regional military postures. The operation showcased India’s rapid deployment capability, air superiority, and advanced military technology. Pakistan, caught off-guard during this operation, faced tactical embarrassment, prompting it to accelerate defense procurement from China.

Indian forces demonstrated seamless coordination between ground troops, artillery, and aerial platforms during the operation. This display of integrated warfare strategy sent a strong message not just to Pakistan, but also to regional observers about India’s preparedness and evolving military doctrine.

Pakistan’s response, instead of internal capacity building, has once again relied heavily on Chinese support. Military experts argue that such dependency may offer short-term relief but lacks the foundation of sustainable defense growth. The rushed purchase of helicopters, previously returned after failure, reflects not confidence but strategic insecurity.

Z-10ME vs Indian LCH Prachand

India’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), stands out as a formidable weapon system in the high-altitude warfare domain. Specifically designed for missions in the Himalayan region, the LCH has proven capabilities in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. With a service ceiling of over 6,000 meters, it can operate effectively in high-altitude regions like Ladakh and Siachen.

The LCH features state-of-the-art avionics, stealth characteristics, and is armed with 20 mm turrets, air-to-air missiles, and rocket pods. Unlike the Z-10ME, which is a generic attack helicopter adapted for export, the LCH was custom-designed for the specific combat needs of Indian forces.

Operational comparisons between Z-10ME and LCH Prachand clearly tilt in favor of India. While Z-10ME may appear modern on paper, its battle-worthiness, especially against a terrain-optimized machine like Prachand, remains untested and largely speculative.

Apache Helicopters: India’s Game-Changer

India’s procurement of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States has been a strategic turning point. These helicopters, often referred to as “flying tanks,” bring unmatched lethality to the battlefield. With a payload capacity of 2500 kilograms, they can carry a combination of Hydra rockets, Hellfire missiles, and Stinger air-to-air missiles.

The Apache is combat-proven and has been used in various conflicts across the globe. It has advanced target acquisition systems, laser-guided weaponry, and can operate in complex environments with minimal ground support. The integration of Apaches into Indian service has tilted the regional aerial balance further in India’s favor.

In comparison, the Z-10ME’s weapon systems are considered outdated. Chinese defense products often face criticism for lacking combat reliability and technological finesse. While Pakistan may project the Z-10ME as a counter to India’s Apache fleet, in operational terms, the Chinese helicopters fall short in almost every metric—be it endurance, armament, or survivability.

A Deal Born Out of Strategic Pressure

According to military observers, the timing of the Z-10ME deal speaks volumes. After increased tension between India and Pakistan in May 2025, the two countries found themselves in a rapidly escalating standoff. While India continued to modernize and indigenize its arsenal, Pakistan struggled to keep pace due to economic constraints and outdated military infrastructure.

China stepped in to fill the gap, offering equipment at concessional rates and political backing. However, this has also led to increasing dependence on Beijing for defense capabilities. Some defense analysts believe that this military reliance could compromise Pakistan’s operational sovereignty in the long term.

Moreover, the purchase has not been accompanied by any indigenous upgrades or transfer of technology. It remains a buyer-seller relationship, with China gaining strategic influence and Pakistan merely plugging gaps in its outdated air power.

The China Factor and Regional Ramifications

China has consistently supplied defense equipment to Pakistan as part of its broader strategy to maintain influence in South Asia. The export of Z-10ME helicopters is part of that ongoing defense collaboration. China also uses these helicopters for patrolling along its border areas, particularly near India.

The Chinese media hailed this export as a milestone, citing it as the first overseas deployment of the Z-10ME. However, the fanfare cannot hide the fact that these helicopters were earlier rejected by Pakistan. This re-export suggests minor modifications rather than any major overhaul, which raises doubts about their battlefield readiness.

The deal may offer symbolic support, but in real strategic terms, India’s combination of Prachand and Apache helicopters, supported by superior radar networks and aerial command systems, presents a significant advantage.

The induction of the Z-10ME helicopters into Pakistan’s fleet is more a reaction to India’s rising power than a well-thought-out defense upgrade. Despite being touted as an advanced system, the helicopter lacks combat history and is no match for India’s Prachand or Apache platforms.

India, on the other hand, continues to enhance its aerial strike capabilities with precision weapons, customized platforms, and strategic partnerships. While the Z-10ME may fill a temporary void in Pakistan’s aging fleet, it does little to change the military equation in South Asia.

In summary, the rushed purchase of previously rejected helicopters underscores Pakistan’s insecurity and dependence on China. Meanwhile, India’s deliberate focus on indigenous defense development and strategic procurement continues to shape the future of regional security.