PLA Z-10 Attack Helicopter Expands Maritime Role Beyond Ground Support
The Z-10 attack helicopter, initially designed for ground combat, has seen its maritime role increase since beginning shipboard trials in 2014, with practices observed in 2020.
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According to the South China Morning Post, the Z-10 attack helicopter, which was constructed by the Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation, was initially intended to engage tanks and provide support to ground forces. This aircraft was put into service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Army in the latter part of 2010. The helicopter commenced documented trials aboard ships in 2014, evidenced by imagery from the Chinese navy showing a Z-10 landing on the Baxianshan Type 072A tank landing ship. Since that time, the maritime function of the attack helicopter has seen a gradual increase. In 2020, army helicopters were observed practicing landing, refueling, and rearming on a civilian semi-submersible.
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