State-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), one of the developers of the aircraft, said an upgraded export version was being showcased at the Singapore Airshow, which opened on Tuesday.
The exhibition runs until Sunday and is open to the public over the weekend.
Chinese President Xi Jinping visits helicopter supplier for PLA’s Taiwan sorties
Chinese President Xi Jinping visits helicopter supplier for PLA’s Taiwan sorties
This comes about six years after a production-ready version of the multirole attack helicopter was unveiled at a national air show in China. Miniature versions have been showcased within the country as well as overseas, like at the 2017 Paris Airshow.
The new model is designed to provide “fire support” for ground forces, and has improved resistance and attack power, according to the official website of its manufacturer, Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC).
It is equipped with warning systems for laser weapons and missiles, countermeasure systems for electronic and infrared interference, as well as a sand filter on the engine for operations in the desert, the CAIC website said. Performance in altitudes below 100 metres (328 feet) has also been improved.
The medium-sized aircraft can carry 23mm high-explosive incendiary ammunition and a 280kg (617-pound) drop tank, online media Defense News reported, citing the air show magazine.
Pakistan, a key importer of Chinese arms, reportedly bought the model in 2022.
Collin Koh, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said that China was “definitely seeking to capitalise” on the rising global demand for weapons given the surge in global tensions and conflicts.
This was driving its increased presence at the air show, including aerial weapons, he said.
Along with the Z-10ME, AVIC is also showcasing rocket launchers, GR5 guided rockets, CM-502KG air-to-surface missiles and TY-90 air-to-air missiles at the event.
The Z-10ME is widely seen as a competitor to the US military’s Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter.
“Given that the Singapore Airshow is one of the premier international aerospace and defence expos, naturally Beijing is interested in promoting its arms sales at the event,” Koh said. “[We might see] China ramping up its presence in defence expos around the world in a bid to grab a larger slice of the global arms market.”
Harry Boneham, a senior analyst at global military intelligence company Janes, said the advantages of the Z-10ME were its reportedly capable platform, “equipped with a range of guided rockets and air-to-air missiles”.
“Additionally, in general one of the key draws for Chinese defence products is the relatively low price-point. Therefore, Z-10ME is likely more affordable than Western alternatives.”
However, its “relatively unproven platforming comparison to the AH-64 Apache” could be a concern, Boneham added.
He said historical purchasers of Chinese equipment, such as countries in the Middle East and Africa, could represent potential future markets for further Chinese platforms.
“Potential buyers for this Chinese-made alternative are likely to be countries which do not have access to Western platforms. Another potential factor driving countries to procure the Z-10ME could be sanctions on Russia, making maintenance and operation of Russian made attack helicopter fleets untenable.”
China’s first home-grown passenger jet C919 – which is seeking European regulatory approval – was also featured at the Singapore event and performed its first overseas fly-by.
