Observing the AH-64 Apache rip through armour columns of the Iraqi Army during the 1990s Gulf War, the PLA identified dire need for a dedicated helicopter for such operations. The PLAGF Aviation Corps only had modified import helicopters such as the SA.342L and Z-9W. Engineers sought advice from the Russian helicopter manufacturer Kamov for the early design, which emerged as Project 941 in 1995 under a contract for a 6-ton wind-tunnel model. After confirmation of the overall aerodynamic designs, the new helicopter, under the name Z-10, went through extensive testing. Breakthroughs in the early 2000s meant that most parts of the helicopter were redeveloped from scratch. During test flights, engineers were tasked with reducing the helicopter's weight as much as possible; thus, later prototypes were vastly lighter than the earliest ones, with some design changes to the nose. Their efforts bore fruit, as the finalised helicopter had the highest combat radius among dedicated attack helicopters while maintaining overall payload weights. The Z-10 joined the PLAGF in 2009 and participated in the 60th National Day Parade as part of a helicopter column.

Introduced in Update "Drone Age" alongside the initial Chinese helicopter tech tree, the Z-10 has a sleek and futuristic appearance. It is the first fully fledged attack helicopter in the Chinese tech tree, finally having armour protection and an internal gun. The ordnance is mostly the same as the Z-19, but it can now use full-size AKD-10 laser-guided missiles that pack an enormous punch against tanks. However, this is an early production version with WZ-9 turboshaft engines, which are somewhat lacking in power. Its flight performance is underwhelming, although it remains quite manoeuvrable. It also cannot carry as many ATGMs as its peers, and lacks the Z-19's mast-mounted radar. However, with some finesse from the pilot, the Z-10 can still be a threatening combatant with its advanced electronics and powerful weapons.