Army Z-11 Whisky Bravo will enter Chinese army service soon

Global Times reported that China's domestically developed Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) Z-11WB armed helicopter is expected to enter service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The helicopter, largely based on the Eurocopter AS350B Écureuil, will play a key role in ground attack, reconnaissance and antiterrorism missions.

A Z-11WB was seen on China Central Television programme with clear PLA markings on a production line. Looking into history with likewise footage of other Chinese military hardware, it is expected that the Z-11WB will likely enter PLA service soon.

The Z-11 project started with Eurocopter blue prints already in 1989. Its first flight was reported in December 1994. Six years later, in October 2000, CAIC announced the completion of the test programme. The more recent WB variant, with a first flight in 2015, is equipped with a an electro optical system underneath the cockpit, a redesigned cockpit, and is able to launch small unmanned aerial systems. The helicopter can be armed with air-to-ground weapons, like anti-tank missiles and guided and unguided rockets. The helicopter is also equipped with a 7.62mm machine gun.

From 2016, CAIC is offering the Z-11E on the domestic market. In October 2019, the first contract was capatilized when two Z-11E found their way to Africa.

PL-108

PL-108 is a new light weight air-to-air missile developed specifically for UCAVs and attack helicopters. The missile appears to feature an improved multi-band IR seeker, giving it a better IRCCM capability, as well as a longer solid rocket motor section. Its range is estimated to be around 9km. Besides attacking UAV/UCAVs, helicopters and low-speed fixed-wing aircraft, the missile also has secondary ground attack capability. PL-108 is believed to have entered the service with PLAAF. The missile was first unveiled at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow and was also publicly displayed at the 80th VJ Day Parade on September 3, 2025, where it was carried by a GJ-3A UCAV. PL-108 is expected to replace the old PL-90 onboard various UCAVs and attack helicopters in service with PLAAF and PLA Army, including GJ-2/3, Z-10, Z-19, Z-20T and Z-21.
- Last Updated 9/18/26

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