Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director of the Information Office of China's Ministry of National Defense and spokesperson for the ministry, addressed recent military-related developments, Gwadar Pro reported on Friday.

When asked about reports that the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps had inducted Chinese-made Z-10ME attack helicopters to modernize its defense capabilities, Jiang stated: "China is willing to share its achievements in equipment development with friendly nations, including Pakistan.

China-Pakistan defense and security cooperation is not targeted at any third party and is dedicated to maintaining international and regional security and stability." Pakistan has started phasing out its decades-old U.S.-made AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters in favor of China’s Z-10ME gunships, marking a significant shift in its military aviation.

Earlier attempts to upgrade with U.S. AH-1Z Vipers and Turkey’s T-129 helicopters fell through due to American sanctions. In 2021, Pakistan signed a deal with China for at least 30 Z-10MEs, with deliveries underway since 2023.

Nicknamed “Osprey,” Z-10ME is an export-oriented, multi-role version of China’s Z-10 attack helicopter, and the second Chinese gunship purpose-built for foreign buyers after Z-19E. It debuted as a model at the 2016 Zhuhai Airshow and appeared in full form in 2018.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China