Just a slight correction.
The TS1400 will be less mature than the WZ9, but I wouldn't say 'inferior.' The TS1400 is technically based on newer technology and concepts, but being a new engine, it might run into teething issues early on. Moreover, I don't know if the Z-10ME is using the WZ9 -- to match up with the PAA's hot-and-high requirements, I think it'd need a new engine (maybe the WZ16 co-developed with Safran, in which case, GOLD).
That said, I'd prefer we diversify projects beyond Turkey and China. I said it before, but attack helicopters ought to be an in-house project. The CAS field is maturing (e.g., data-links, remote UAV ops, fire-and-forget missiles, or even small cruise missiles), and I can see suppliers string is up here as they have on submarines and fighters.
The Rooivalk Mk2 would fit the bill. You can't go wrong with the Makila 1A or Makila 2 turboshaft engine -- they definitely work in the PAA's ops environment (Puma). The engine's an older design, so we might be able to get ToT from the OEM Safran Group as well. Moreover, Denel is willing to literally transfer the entire project to the buyer:
“Through a joint venture programme of industrial participation and transfer of intellectual property, an indigenous attack helicopter production, support and upgrade/modification capability can be established" (link).
Yes, there are hang-ups for sure: Airbus Helicopters will have a say on some critical components, plus time and cost. However, we can work with Airbus. We are a customer of theirs already, and we can leverage the PN or PA's other helicopter needs (e.g., an eventual Sea King successor) to make their day.
Cost is also not that big of an issue. Denel already sunk a lot into the project from the 1990s, it's a write-down, hence they they only need 70-odd helicopters to make this project feasible (
link). The PAA alone could sustain that run, and in turn, demand very generous ToT/IP transfer.
Finally, unlike both the T129 and Z-10ME, the Rooivalk Mk2 is a true Apache-class attack helicopter. It's of the same size and weight class. The real constraint are the electronics, and we can acquire or co-develop those with our existing partners (both Turkey and China will do it anyways for their own projects).