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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s army has inducted Chinese Z-10ME attack helicopters into its aviation wing, the Pakistani military said Saturday, amid a push for modernization of defense equipment.

The state-of-the-art, all-weather platform is capable of precision strike operations day and night, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.

Equipped with advanced radar systems and cutting-edge electronic warfare suites, the Z-10ME helicopter significantly enhances Pakistan’s capability to engage diverse aerial and ground threats.

Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir oversaw the induction ceremony at Multan Garrison and expressed satisfaction over Pakistan’s readiness to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“The COAS (chief of army staff) witnessed firepower demonstration by the newly inducted Z-10ME helicopters at the Muzaffargarh Field Firing Ranges,” the ISPR said in a statement.

“The induction of this potent system marks a major leap in the modernization of Army Aviation, reinforcing its integrated battlefield response and capacity to deliver decisive effects against potential adversaries.”

The development comes after reports of India planning to launch a $234 million incentive program for civil and military drone makers to reduce their reliance on imported components and counter rival Pakistan’s program built on support from China and Turkiye.

It follows a four-day military conflict between Pakistan and India that saw them attack each other with fighter jets, missiles, drones and artillery. The conflict was triggered by an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad denied the allegation and called for an independent probe into the assault.

In his interaction with Pakistan Army soldiers, Field Marshal Munir lauded their exceptional morale, professionalism and combat proficiency, according to the ISPR.

He appreciated the successful demonstration of combined arms tactics, reflecting the army’s firm resolve to maintain a “decisive edge in the evolving character of warfare.”

In recent months, Pakistan and China have resolved to continue their bilateral cooperation for regional peace, development and stability.

For China, Pakistan is a strategic and economic ally. Beijing is investing over $60 billion to build infrastructure, energy and other projects in Pakistan as part of its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

India and China, on the other hand, are competing regional giants and nuclear powers and widely seen as long-term strategic rivals.

On Friday, Field Marshal Munir described his country’s strategic partnership with China as “pivotal” for regional peace and stability at an event held at Pakistan’s military headquarters to mark the 98th founding anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

“The Field Marshal highlighted that the Pakistan-China strategic relationship exemplifies mutual trust, unwavering support and shared commitment,” the ISPR said.

“He stressed that despite shifting strategic dynamics, the friendship between the two nations has remained steadfast and unshakable.”