Military leadership emphasizes collaboration between civilian and military sectors in conjunction with Pakistan's acquisition of Z-10ME attack helicopters.
Pakistan Army Inducts Advanced Z-10ME Attack Helicopter
During a visit to the Multan Garrison, Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), presided over the induction ceremony of the Z-10ME attack helicopter into the Pakistan Army Aviation. The event marked a major leap in the modernization of Army Aviation.
The Z-10ME is a highly advanced and upgraded variant of the Chinese Changhe Z-10, boasting significant enhancements in speed, armament, avionics, and survivability features. With speeds of up to 300 km/h and an effective combat radius between 800 and 1,120 kilometers, the Z-10ME offers increased capacity to deliver decisive effects against potential adversaries.
Key offensive capabilities include a nose-mounted 30 mm chain gun, upgraded from 23 mm, with triple the ammunition capacity, optimized for close support and strafing attacks. The helicopter features up to six hardpoints capable of mounting up to 16 guided missiles, including air-to-ground missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, short-range air-to-air missiles, guided rockets, and compatibility with loitering munitions and SW-6 drones.
The Z-10ME incorporates advanced sensors such as a mast-mounted millimetre-wave fire control radar for long-range target acquisition and an electro-optical/forward-looking infrared (EO/FLIR) turret enabling day-night operations even in adverse weather conditions. On the defensive side, the helicopter is fitted with a sophisticated survivability suite to protect against various threats.
Field Marshal Munir expressed satisfaction over the high standards of readiness displayed during the event and lauded the troops' exceptional morale, professionalism, and combat proficiency. He underscored the significance of national unity, civil-military synergy, and a whole-of-nation approach. During his visit, the COAS also engaged with members of academia and civil society in an interactive session.
In addition to the induction ceremony, the COAS witnessed a firepower demonstration by the newly inducted Z-10ME helicopters at the Muzaffargarh Field Firing Ranges. The COAS emphasized the Army's firm resolve to maintain a decisive edge in the evolving character of warfare and appreciated the successful demonstration of combined arms tactics.
The induction of the Z-10ME reinforces the integrated battlefield response of Army Aviation and significantly enhances the Army's capability to engage diverse aerial and ground threats. The Z-10ME represents a state-of-the-art attack helicopter with enhanced speed, extended range, versatile and potent armament options, advanced sensors and targeting systems, and robust defensive avionics, making it highly capable in diverse combat scenarios.
[1] DefenceWeb [2] Military Watch Magazine [3] Janes [4] The Diplomat
- The advanced sensors of the Z-10ME, including a millimetre-wave fire control radar, enable long-range target acquisition even under adverse weather conditions, demonstrating its effectiveness in various operational environments.
- In the realm of modern warfare, the induction of the Z-10ME into the Pakistan Army Aviation not only enhances its aviation industry capabilities but also bolsters the nation's finance and transportation sectors, facilitating a strategic edge in logistics and supply chain management.
