Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s chief of army staff, is briefed by Pakistan Army officials during the induction ceremony of Z-10ME attack helicopters on August 2, 2025. Photo: Screenshot from the official YouTube Channel of Inter Services Public Relations Directorate of Pakistan Armed Forces

The Pakistan Army has inducted China’s export-oriented Z-10ME attack helicopter, Pakistani media reported on Saturday. A Chinese expert said that this would mark the first export deal of the Z-10, and the helicopter’s strong firepower and survivability could boost Pakistan’s defense capabilities, especially in the field of anti-terrorism.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir presided over the induction ceremony of the state-of-the-art Z-10ME attack helicopter into Pakistan Army Aviation during a visit to the Multan Garrison, Pakistani media outlet The News reported, citing a statement by the country’s Inter-Services Public Relations on Saturday.

This state-of-the-art, all-weather platform is capable of precision strike operations day and night. Equipped with advanced radar systems and cutting-edge electronic warfare suites, the Z-10ME significantly enhances the Army's capability to engage diverse aerial and ground threats, according to the report.

During his visit, the Pakistani army chief also witnessed a firepower demonstration by the newly inducted Z-10ME helicopters at the Muzaffargarh Field Firing Ranges, The News reported.

Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) had displayed its Z-10 attack helicopter for the first time outside its home country at the Singapore Airshow in February 2024. As of then, the model had Pakistan as the only known export customer, but no sales had been announced at the air show, said Dawn, another Pakistani media outlet, in its report on the induction of the Z-10ME on Saturday.

The Chinese side has not announced the deal as of press time on Saturday.

Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Saturday that this would mark the first export deal of the Z-10ME helicopter.

Compared with fixed-wing aircraft such as the J-10CE, the Z-10ME helicopter can take off and land vertically and hover, making deployment more flexible without requiring dedicated airfields, Fu said.

Fu highlighted the potential use of the Z-10ME in Pakistan’s anti-terrorism operations, citing the helicopter’s fast response capability, hovering capability and strong firepower. He added that the Z-10ME can be equipped with rockets, anti-tank missiles and air-to-air missiles for traditional security missions.

Zhang Xuefeng, another Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that compared with the baseline version of the Z-10, the Z-10ME is customized with additional armor plates, warning sensors and jamming systems, which can boost the aircraft’s survivability.

The Z-10ME has outstanding comprehensive capabilities, making it one of the best medium-sized attack helicopters in the world, Zhang said.