China military displays upgraded Z-20 helicopters

12/11/2024 16:26

        With sleek looks mirroring the U.S. UH-60 Black Hawk, the Chinese military's advanced Z-20 helicopter packs a punch but may make its biggest impact at sea, analysts said as it was displayed at China's biggest air show in Zhuhai on Tuesday.
        
        The Z-20's potential at sea to plug gaps in the Chinese navy's ability to protect itself from submarines is attracting scrutiny from regional defence attaches and security scholars charting its evolution after a decade of development.
        
        State media recently highlighted the first armed assault version of the helicopter, and on Tuesday the military showcased the Z-20J armed naval variant - a key step towards a full-blown anti-submarine platform, the Z-20F.
        
        Although China is fielding ever-more advanced warships as part of its long-term military modernisation, it struggles to shield them, including its emerging aircraft carrier fleet, from undersea attacks - a capability already finely honed by many of its rivals.
        
        Pentagon reports and Western analysts have long noted that weaknesses in the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) anti-submarine capabilities could hurt longer-range naval deployments in a conflict.
        
        The Pentagon's latest public report on China's military modernisation, released in October 2023, noted a naval version of the Z-20 was under development.