China’s first Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation Z-10 helicopter shipped to Pakistan completed its first test in Rawalpindi, according to internet users cited in overseas Chinese-language news outlet Duowei News.
Earlier reports surmised that Pakistan was choosing its next-generation attack helicopters from either China’s Z-10 or Turkey’s A-129 to replace its obsolete AH-1S Cobras purchased from the United States back in the 1980s. Meanwhile, rumors from the Russian embassy suggested that Pakistan had placed an order for Mi-35 heavy assault gunship helicopters from Moscow. The Mi-35 may be used to test the Z-10’s performance in a real combat environment, although the Russian reports remain unconfirmed.
Pakistan has been one of China’s strongest allies since the Cold War. With India looming as a rival and potentially an enemy, it is very likely that Pakistan will operate a Chinese attack helicopter in the future. The Z-10 helicopter is capable of attacking an enemy target up to four kilometers away, a distance that leaves the Z-10 simultaneously out of the range of ground forces. It would also enhance the ability of Pakistan’s armed forces to combat terror cells.
Since the United States already provided AH-1F helicopters to Pakistan in 2007 to replace some of the latter’s older Cobras, Islamabad has not made a decision yet about purchasing the Z-10. Pakistan has still hinted at some interest towards that A-129 despite favoring the Z-10.
SOURCE : http://idrw.org/
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