The Changhe Z-10 is China’s first native attack helicopter, designed for anti-armor and close air support missions. It was created as the People’s Liberation Army’s answer to America’s AH-1 Cobra. However, it is much larger, heavier, and less agile compared to its U.S. counterpart. Despite being produced around 40 years later, it has approximately 50% of the Cobra’s firepower, making it a statistically poor adversary. With a weight of 7,500 kilograms, it is even heavier than contemporaries such as the Eurocopter Tiger and A129 Mangusta. Due to its weight requirements, China failed to meet the criteria for the Changhe Z-10 to be used by E.U. nation militaries.

Nevertheless, the Changhe Z-10 incorporates modern avionics and weaponry, boosting its reputation on the world stage. This includes features such as helmet-mounted optics, radar warning systems, ejector seats, stealth properties, and advanced GPS navigation. Its armament consists of a 23-millimeter machine gun, rockets, and missiles, with a payload of up to 1,500 kilograms when fully loaded.

Although China is currently facing conflict and tension along its borders, the Changhe Z-10 has seen limited action. Due to its lesser capabilities compared to its peers, it ranks at the lowest position on this list.

[Featured image by Shimin Gu via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | GFDL 1.2]