Pakistan Expands Z-10ME Helicopter Fleet with Turkish Weapons to Counter India’s Prachand
Pakistan is gearing up for a major enhancement of its attack helicopter fleet by acquiring additional Z-10ME helicopters from China. This strategic move is seen as a direct counter to India’s ambitious procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand, designed for high-altitude warfare. In a significant twist, Pakistan is also exploring a possible collaboration with Turkey to integrate advanced Turkish weaponry into these Chinese-made helicopters, bolstering their firepower and survivability.
India’s Prachand, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a highly versatile combat helicopter tailored for operations in challenging terrains, including the Himalayas and the Siachen Glacier. With an acquisition cost of around ₹62,000 crore (approximately $6.1 billion), India's massive order includes 90 helicopters for the Army and 66 for the Air Force. The helicopter’s ability to operate at altitudes above 5,000 meters, coupled with advanced weapons like air-to-air missiles, makes it a formidable asset.
Faced with this growing aerial threat, Pakistan is intensifying its military ties with China to bolster its own attack helicopter capabilities. The Z-10ME, a modified export variant of the Chinese Z-10, features upgrades such as a more powerful WZ-9G engine, enhanced defensive systems, and measures to reduce its infrared signature, improving survivability against modern air defense threats. Initial deliveries to Pakistan are expected by 2025, marking a renewed push after earlier failed attempts to acquire attack helicopters from the U.S. (AH-1Z Viper) and Turkey (T129 ATAK) due to export restrictions.
Beyond direct acquisition, Pakistan is reportedly in discussions with China to locally assemble the Z-10ME. Establishing an assembly line would not only reduce dependency on foreign suppliers but also enhance Pakistan’s domestic defense industry, fostering local expertise in helicopter maintenance and modifications. This move could allow Pakistan to customize the Z-10ME to meet its specific operational needs along the Line of Control (LoC) and in counter-insurgency missions.
Adding another layer to this expansion, Pakistan is considering integrating Turkish weapon systems onto the Z-10ME platform. Despite Washington blocking the sale of T129 ATAK helicopters due to U.S.-controlled engine technology, Turkey has emerged as a key defense partner for Pakistan. Turkish weapons like UMTAS anti-tank guided missiles, Cirit laser-guided rockets, and advanced avionics could significantly enhance the Z-10ME’s battlefield capabilities. Such an upgrade would not only strengthen Pakistan’s aerial combat potential but also deepen its trilateral defense cooperation with China and Turkey, bypassing Western restrictions.
While the Z-10ME is not as battle-tested as the American AH-64 Apache or the Russian Mi-28, its reported 800 km range and 1,500 kg weapon payload make it a competitive platform. In contrast, India’s Prachand, with a range of 700 km, has proven its high-altitude prowess, demonstrated by successful landings at nearly 15,800 feet. By equipping the Z-10ME with Turkish technology, Pakistan aims to create a capable counter to the Prachand, ensuring a balance of power in the region.
If Pakistan successfully procures and assembles the Z-10ME, it could grow its fleet beyond 30 helicopters, though official numbers remain undisclosed. A successful integration of Turkish weaponry could also pave the way for Pakistan to export a customized version of the Z-10ME, mirroring India’s aspirations to sell the Prachand globally.
This helicopter expansion underscores Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining a credible aerial deterrent against India’s rapidly modernizing military. By leveraging Chinese and Turkish defense technologies, Pakistan seeks to secure its strategic interests while reducing reliance on Western arms markets, where procurement hurdles remain a persistent challenge.
