China's Z‑21, aiming to rival the AH‑64 Apache, takes to the skies

Recently, a photo of the latest Chinese attack helicopter, which rivals the American AH-64 Apache, has been making rounds online. The Z-21, as it is now known, was spotted flying for the first time.

This marks the first public sighting of the Z-21 combat helicopter (previously referred to as Z-XX) and serves as proof of China's continued efforts to enhance its capabilities.

Andreas Rupprecht, an expert on Chinese air forces, has verified the authenticity of the photo. He believes the image is genuine and depicts the helicopter formerly called Z-XX.

The Defense Express portal has pointed out that the design of the Z-21 appears to be influenced by the American AH-64 Apache. The Z-21 remains largely shrouded in mystery, and aside from its inaugural test flight in January 2024, it hasn’t been equipped with weapons yet. Therefore, what kind and how many weapons it will ultimately carry is unclear. Currently, the aircraft is fitted with various measuring equipment.

Despite the Z-21 being designed to match the Apache (in features like the placement of cockpit fairings and the cannon underneath), the helicopter is an advancement of the older Z-20, which was modelled after the American Black Hawk. It’s confirmed that the prototype includes technology to minimise its infrared visibility, notably through upward-directed exhaust systems.

China envisions the Z-21 as a robust platform capable of carrying a wide array of weapons – owing to its size, which is comparable to the Apache and the Russian Mi-28.

The exact mechanics of the Z-21 in full production remain uncertain. According to The War Zone, citing unofficial sources, it is likely to use engines based on those of the smaller Z-20s. These sources also suggest that this new model, destined to rival the Apache, is expected to be operational within the next three years.