Chinese Air Force Z-10 attack helicopter enters service with PLA Hong Kong Garrison.

According to Liu Xuanzun in Global Times, official reports show that Z-10 attack helicopters for the first time participated in a recent patrol exercise organized by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison, indicating that the garrison has commissioned this type of helicopter to provide escort and air support to other helicopters, vessels and ground troops in joint operations.

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CAIC Z-10 attack helicopters of the PLA (Picture source: Chinese photographer)

The PLA Hong Kong Garrison recently conducted a scheduled joint maritime and air patrol for the second season of the year, featuring training courses including not only patrol but also search and rescue, the PLA Daily reported on Thursday, July 28. The Z-10s are painted with jungle camouflage colors instead of a pure deep green color, indicating that they are likely of the Z-10K variant affiliated the Air Force rather than the Army Aviation Force, observers said.

The PLA Hong Kong Garrison's aviation sector used to only have transport and utility helicopters, and now the Z-10K attack helicopters can provide escorts for those helicopters, Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military aviation expert, told the Global Times on July 28.

CAIC Z-10 attack helicopter (Picture source: Chinese photographer)