Pakistan has decided to procure Z-10ME attack helicopters from China after the former’s deal with Turkey to acquire T129 ATAK helicopters collapsed due to US sanctions.
According to details, Pakistan in 2018 had awarded Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), a subsidiary of the state-owned Defence Industry, a $1.5 billion contract for the acquisition of 30 T129 ATAK helicopters.
However, US sanctions against Turkey initially slowed down the deal as the latter was required to seek a US export license before proceeding with the delivery of the helicopters to Pakistan.
Pakistan awarded an extension to TAI for the delivery of the helicopters twice by 12 months in January 2021 and by another six months in the same year in March.
However, with no signs of Turkey delivering the helicopters anytime soon due to the crippling US sanctions, Pakistan has been forced to pull the plug on the deal and evaluate other options to consolidate its aerial defense capabilities.
As a result of its adamant behavior, the US has unwittingly favored its long-term strategic rival as China is now set to receive $1.5 billion from Pakistan and deliver Z-10ME attack helicopters in exchange.
Note that the Z-10ME attack helicopter is the Chinese equivalent of the Turkish T129 ATAK helicopter and the American AH-64 Apache helicopter.
Here is all you need to know about the Z-10ME attack helicopter.