I just hope the Z-10 is modified to address the factors that convinced Pakistan to choose the T-129.
https://www.defenseworld.net/news/1...ck_Helicopter_Over_Chinese_Z_10_#.XlazHShKiUk
To paraphrase the article: More powerful engines are needed to carry the full weapons load in the Hot and High Altitude conditions the Pakistan Army expects to operate in. Any indication these improvements were made? It seems to mention comparisons to the T-129 in the following video. If you could be so kind to confirm, I don't understand Mandarin.
Other than that, the Z-10 looks like a good Helicopter that we know will be supported by China and therefore can have a long and fruitful life in Pakistani Service.
As an Aside, if Pakistan procures the Z-10, it should also try to procure the
TAI Hurkus-C as a Light CAS platform for the Gilgit-Baltistan area as it may be able to operate on mountain roads where jet powered aircraft would be limited from operating.
Even a small fleet of 30 Hurkus just for the Gilgit-Baltistan/Kashmir mountain areas will allow the Pakistan army to have constant CAS with long endurance nearby. The Hurkus could also pull up to 7 G and carry 1500 kg of stores (weapons and fuel). If armed with the New highly agile Turkish WVR missile (25 km range); it could be used in the mountains to hunt down Indian Apaches, or transport Helicopters trying to carry out another "Surgical Strike". The Hurkus is more than 100 mph faster then the Apache. the Turkish WVR missile could also be developed to use the RF seeker from the new Turkish BVR missile to be able to counter any IR Defenses the Apache may try to use. These Hurkus could be hidden near normal roads in small caves carved out of hill sides, similar to how the Swiss air force operates, and could operate like airborne guerrilla forces in the mountains of the North.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TAI_Hürkuş#Variants
PAF K-8 trainers should also be adapted to perform the CAS role (IRST, small AESA for targeting), as well ,under the Army on the plains and desert and marshlands. The have a max 1000 kg stores carriage capability, but in large numbers, armed with laser guided rockets and PGMs, they can be a deadly force to counter Indian Integrated battle groups. In times of war, Pakistan should ask China to Borrow 100 of their K-8, if they can spare them, to perform this CAS role. Dedicated fixed wing CAS planes alongside Attack Helicopters will take the pressure off the Air force to protect ground troops, allowing them to focus on dealing with the IAF and Indian Integrated Air Defense Network.
BTW, how many K-8s does Pakistan operates? I have read somewhere between 30-40, while in other places the numbers are a lot higher.
Pakistan should not limit itself to just attack helicopters. UCAV would also be good but they are nearly equally priced as the Hurkus but with manned platforms you can deal with heavy enemy jamming and you can probably land more reliably in the mountains with the wind shears.