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Hayley Wong

Seong Hyeon Choi

China’s latest Z-10ME attack helicopter is on display at the Singapore Airshow, the first time it has been featured in an overseas exhibition.
Analysts said the international debut indicated China was on the lookout for new buyers as global weapons demand soars.
The Z-10 is already in service with the People’s Liberation Army, and is among the helicopter models used in drills on the border with India and near Taiwan.
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
This comes about six years after a production-ready version of the multirole attack helicopter was unveiled at a national air show in China. Models have previously been on display in China and at the 2017 Paris Airshow.
The new version 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 platform 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: “Advantages of the Z-10ME include that [it] is reportedly a 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 arms exports dropped from 2018 to 2022 after rising in previous decades, with analysts citing domestic stockpiling needs amid rising geopolitical tensions and production shutdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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.


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China debuts latest Z-10ME attack helicopter at Singapore Airshow

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President Xi Jinping at the Changhe Aircraft Industries facilities    on Wednesday, during an inspection visit to eastern Jiangxi province.       Photo: Xinhua

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China

Military

Export version on display until Sunday said to feature ‘fire support’ for ground forces, and improved resistance and attack power
Analysts say international first shows China is on the lookout for new buyers as global weapons demand soars


Export version on display until Sunday said to feature ‘fire support’ for ground forces, and improved resistance and attack power.


China's military weapons

China-Singapore relations

AVIC

China debuts latest Z-10ME attack helicopter at Singapore Airshow

Export version on display until Sunday said to feature ‘fire support’ for ground forces, and improved resistance and attack power Analysts say international first shows China is on the lookout for new buyers as global weapons demand soars

Export version on display until Sunday said to feature ‘fire support’ for ground forces, and improved resistance and attack power

Analysts say international first shows China is on the lookout for new buyers as global weapons demand soars