GriffinsRule
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Z-10ME solves the core issues raised by PAA.
I believe the PAA has ordered a number of Z-10s, but I'm unsure if they're the Z-10ME or the current-model Z-10. I say this because the PAA wants these choppers very, very soon. So, they may not be much different from those the PAA tested in 2015-2016. In other words, a stopgap (until Z-10ME or ATAK w/TS1400).
It'd be odd for the PAA to suddenly buy either Z-10ME or ATAK w/TS1400. It would need to test both helicopters to (1) ensure they meet the hot/high requirements, (2) desert ops requirements, and (3) range requirements. Yes on paper both might look good, but we still need to test them in Pakistan.
So, all in all, I'm inclined to believe that (1) a Z-10 order has taken place, but (2) it's for the current variant, not the Z-10ME. The Z-10ME may come, but I think the PAA will again trial it out, and the ATAK w/TS1400 will get a chance as well.
That said, the mmW-guided AGM and miniature cruise missile are both really cool features of the Z-10ME. So, besides the improved performance parameters, the added capabilities could tilt the PAA towards China this time around. Alternatively, the PAA can also split requirements -- i.e., Z-10ME for long-range, desert ops and ATAK for high-altitude (especially if the TS1400 offers more power).
Is your belief based on anything? We clearly had the Army come out and say they are giving Turkey another year grace period to sort out the engine issue. Why would we be ordering the Z-10 in any token numbers or not? Heck, if we are so desperate for a chopper, should order and induct more Mi-35s, as at least we have those in service.
China has been a great source of weapons to us, but that does not mean we ought to take every single thing they produce even if it does not meet the requirements or our standards.
And I also dont see any cause for a rush to buy an anti-tank heli esp since the war on terror inside Pakistan has been wrapped up mostly and the demand for counter insurgency ops is just not there as it were 4-5 years ago. Pakistan can afford to wait and it should.
If we do order Z-10, imo it would be a great disservice to Pakistan. We will have in a very small PAA fleet 4 different attack helicopters from 4 different manufacturers with zero compatibility in any weapons or systems.
AH-1F
Mi-35
AH-1Z (wishful though some would have us believe they are already in Pakistan)
Z-10 (hope it never happens)
T-129 (if this is just a "stop gap" then another Turkish helo in the future)
This is a totally ridiculous fleet and a mess when it comes to support, training and ops.
We simply need 2 choppers at most in this role for diversification purposes.
The heavy can be AH-1Z and T129 fit the bill perfectly in this regard. The Mi-35 was another terrible choice the army made and hopefully they will not order more of that antique. We can donate them to the new Afghan government once it comes to power for all I could care.