Latest news with #Z-10ME
India.com
a day ago
- Business
- India.com
Meet Z-10ME: China's Apache Rival Now In Pakistani Hands - Can It Beat Indias AH-64E Combat Helicopter?
photoDetails english The Pakistani Army has got yet another weapon from China, and this time, it's not a missile or fighter jet but a combat helicopter. Alarmed by India's acquisition of the American Apache AH-64E helicopters, Pakistan rushed into the lap of China to get an equivalent. Now, China has delivered its Z-10ME Combat Helicopters to the Pakistani Army, as confirmed by visuals that have gone viral on social media. However, there is no official word on the delivery either from China or Pakistan. According to reports, Pakistan is planning to deploy these helicopters in the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and near the Line of Control. Now, the question is - Should India be worried? Let's find out: Updated:Jul 30, 2025, 07:11 PM IST Built For Modern Battlefield 1 / 10 The Z-10ME is a modern attack helicopter developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC), a subsidiary of China's state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Over the past two decades, AVIC has spearheaded China's transformation into a formidable player in the global aerospace and defence sector. The Z-10ME is a direct result of this push — a next-generation platform designed for dynamic, high-threat environments. High-Altitude Powerhouse 2 / 10 At the heart of the Z-10ME lies a pair of WZ-9C turboshaft engines, each producing around 1,200 kilowatts of power. This high-output configuration addresses the altitude-related performance issues that typically hinder helicopter operations in mountainous terrain such as the Himalayas. The aircraft is purpose-built to maintain thrust and lift in thin air, giving it an operational edge in high-altitude warfare. Agile Airframe 3 / 10 The Z-10ME features a tandem-seat cockpit and a sleek, narrow fuselage designed for manoeuvrability in rugged environments. Its aerodynamic profile allows for fast, terrain-hugging flight — essential for evasive tactics, pop-up attacks, and quick ingress/egress missions in complex landscapes. The design is particularly well-suited for missions requiring low observability and rapid response. Infrared Suppression 4 / 10 A standout feature of the Z-10ME is its upward-angled exhausts and built-in infrared suppression system. This engineering choice significantly reduces the helicopter's heat signature, offering increased survivability against heat-seeking man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) and infrared-guided missiles. In theatres where such threats are common, this defensive capability is vital. Performance And Endurance 5 / 10 The Z-10ME is reported to reach speeds of up to 300 km/h, with a combat range between 800 and 1,120 kilometres depending on load and fuel configuration. Its operational ceiling is estimated at 6,000 metres, making it suitable for high-altitude missions. With an empty weight of about 5,100 kilograms and a maximum take-off weight close to 7,200 kilograms, the helicopter is well-equipped for long-range loiter and deep strike missions. Lethal Armament 6 / 10 In terms of firepower, the Z-10ME is armed with a 23mm chin-mounted cannon for strafing ground targets. Its stub wings house up to four hardpoints per side, supporting a diverse mix of ordnance. This includes up to 16 HJ-10 or AKD-10 anti-tank guided missiles, multiple rocket pod options (including pods with seven or thirty-two tubes), and TY-90 short-range air-to-air missiles for defensive counter-air missions. This wide array of weapons enables the Z-10ME to perform precision strikes, suppress enemy positions, and provide close air support in complex combat zones. Z-10ME vs AH-64E: Design Philosophy 7 / 10 The Z-10ME and the AH-64E Apache are dedicated attack helicopters built for close air support, anti-armour missions, and limited air-to-air engagements. However, the Apache reflects decades of combat refinement and Western operational experience, while the Z-10ME represents China's bid to field a homegrown, high-performance alternative. The Apache is heavier, more heavily armoured, and integrated with advanced network-centric warfare systems, including the Longbow radar for target acquisition. In contrast, the Z-10ME offers a lighter, more agile platform with high-altitude performance advantages tailored for mountainous terrain, emphasizing survivability through infrared signature suppression and mobility. Firepower and Technology 8 / 10 The Apache AH-64E typically fields a 30mm chain gun, Hellfire missiles, Hydra rockets, and advanced avionics including sensor fusion, datalinks, and real-time UAV control — making it a highly networked battlefield asset. The Z-10ME, while less integrated in terms of battlefield connectivity, compensates with a strong weapon suite that includes a 23mm cannon, up to 16 anti-tank guided missiles, and TY-90 air-to-air missiles. While the Apache still holds a technological edge in targeting, communication, and combat data systems, the Z-10ME is rapidly closing the gap with localized innovations aimed at boosting lethality and survivability in diverse combat zones. 9 / 10 10 / 10
India.com
22-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
American Apache vs Chinese Z-10ME: Which one is more powerful among India-Pakistan combat helicopters?
New Delhi: The first batch of three AH-64E Apache helicopters from the US arrived at Hindon Airbase this morning. These helicopters were brought via Antonov AN-124 aircraft. Meanwhile, news has also come that Pakistan has also deployed Chinese-made Z-10ME attack helicopters. In such a situation, it is believed that if there is any military clash between India and Pakistan again, then Apache and Z-10ME helicopters can come face to face. However, both the countries have purchased these combat helicopters when many countries of the world are turning away from them. Which one is better helicopter? The American Apache AH-64E is considered to be among the best attack helicopters in the world. The Indian Army established its first Apache rotary wing aircraft squadron at Nagatalav in Jodhpur in March 2024. Meanwhile, Pakistan has also started deploying the Z-10ME helicopter in its army. China's Z-10ME is designed to challenge the US Apache and Russian Mi-28 Havoc helicopters. The inclusion of this helicopter will give the Pakistani army a greater capability to act against India's multilayer air defense and ground tanks. What are the features of the Z-10 helicopter? The Z-10 helicopter has a strike range of 1,120 kilometers and weighs about 5,100 kilograms when empty. It includes a 23 millimeter caliber revolver pistol and four external hardpoints that can hold air-to-ground, air-to-air and rocket launchers. Up to 16 anti-tank missiles, four multiple 7-barrel rocket launchers or two multiple 32-barrel rocket launchers can be installed on this helicopter, with the ability to use different combinations for different missions. It can carry missiles to destroy tanks and armored vehicles. For example, missiles can be used against tanks and armored vehicles, while rockets and cannons can be used to harm infantrymen. Why are world's experts praising the Chinese Z-10 so much? The Z-10 offers many advantages over its counterparts such as the Eurocopter Tiger due to its excellent aerodynamic design and domestically manufactured engines, as well as its excellent handling and agility. China has made several improvements to the export version of the Z-10ME. It is powered by the WZ-9G turboshaft engine, which is a significant improvement over the earlier WZ-9 engines. Other upgrades over older versions of the Z-10 are improved avionics. The system has a helmet-mounted sight, laser rangefinder, and thermal imaging sensors for night operations. Z-10 is equipped with laser-guided weapons The Z-10ME is reportedly equipped with laser-guided weapons. The Z-10ME is said to have graphene-based and ceramic composite armor panels, which provide protection to the pilots and engines from small arms attack. The upward-facing exhaust nozzles reduce the helicopter's infrared signature, reducing the risk of infrared missile lock-on. What makes Apache helicopters so special? The Apache attack helicopter is used by the US Army as well as the armies of several other countries. It is a twin-turboshaft helicopter with a seating capacity of two people and a tailwheel-type landing gear. One of the main features of the Apache is its advanced sensor and weapon system. It is also equipped with a helmet-mounted display, night vision system and a radar, which enables it to locate and attack targets even in darkness and bad weather. Apart from this, it is also equipped with a 30 mm chain gun, Hellfire missiles and rocket pods. Apache Multi Mission Helicopter The Apache helicopter fires at a speed of 625 rounds per minute. It is also equipped with Hydra 70 rockets and AGM-114 Hellfire missile system. The Apache helicopter is equipped with multi-targeting capability, which has the power to hit 16 targets in 1 minute. It can also track 128 targets simultaneously. Apache helicopters fly at a speed of 280-365 kilometers per hour. Apache helicopters are equipped with advanced technologies such as night vision, thermal sensors and advanced radar, which enable it to carry out precise attacks even in darkness and bad weather. It is a multi-mission helicopter capable of carrying out air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks.
India.com
28-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Operation Sindoor: China SHOCKED by Pakistan's defeat, Beijing to provide its deadliest weapon to Pak army to..., its capable of...
(File) Operation Sindoor: Shocked and stunned by the crushing defeat of Pakistan in its recent military conflict with India, China is now making additional efforts to enhance the offensive and defensive capabilities of its 'all-weather ally'. Beijing recently approved a fresh $3.7 billion loan to Islamabad, which the cash-strapped country will reportedly use to acquire Chinese-made weapons, including one of PLA's most advanced and deadliest weapons, a Z-10ME attack helicopter. Pakistan to acquire Chinese attack helicopters According to reports, the Chinese attack helicopter will be assembled in Pakistan where it will also be augmented with Turkish-made weapons. China plans to deliver at least Z-10ME helicopters to Pakistan, they said. Earlier, Pakistan had attempted to acquire US-made AH-1Z Weaver helicopters, and T129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey, but both countries refused to sell due to export restrictions. Turkey's T129 ATAK's are built using US-supplied components, which bars them from selling these warplanes to a third country without US consent. China's most lethal attack chopper Built to counter India's LCH Prachand attack helicopter, China's Z-10ME attack helicopters are considered by experts as the deadliest attack choppers in PLA's (People Liberation Army of China) arsenal. As per reported, in its efforts to increase self-reliance in defense manufacturing, Pakistan will jointly manufacture the Z-10MEs with China. The helicopter will also be integrated with state-of-the-art weapons from Turkey, which carved a niche as a global leader in manufacture of military helicopters. Reports suggest the Chinese Z-10MEs could be Turkish-made UMTAS anti-tank guided missile, which boasts a firing range of 8 kilometers, and is a 'fire and forget' missile. Additionally, there are also plans to install Turkish laser guided rockets, advanced avionics suite as well as advanced sensors for navigation in the Z-10ME attack helicopter, as per reports. According to experts, Pakistan intends to employ the Z-10MEs to conduct anti-terror operations in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as for surveillance on the Line of Control (LoC) with India. LCH Prachand– India's answer to Chinese Z-10ME Meanwhile, India's answer to the Z-10ME is is the Prachand, an indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), designed for multi-role combat, especially in high-altitude operations. Designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the LCH Prachand is built for both ground attack and aerial missions in extreme conditions, such as in high-altitude combat zones like Ladakh and Siachen Glacier. Last year, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) placed a $6.1 billion order with HAL for 156 LCH Prachand helicopters, while several countries including, Nigeria, Argentina and the Philippines have expressed interest in purchasing the Indian-made attack helicopter.
