Firstly, 70 x Gunships are not required for CPEC security.
Secondly, Pakistan needs more transport helicopters preferably medium, handful of heavy than Gunships.
Thirdly, AH-1Z and T-129 are capable machines. Z-10 will be bought when PAA approves.
1. For CPEC security, fire support can be provided by AH-1F/s with their armament and some basic sensors like FLIR. When 44th Light Infantry Division is commissioned, it can provide more depth to 34th LID on ground and security to installations. Navy should place a Frigate and few Corvettes. Raise a Battalion of Marines to form an outer perimeter of security, at land and at sea, through a QRF at installations and constant patrolling with coast guard. 44th LID and PN marines should be given maximum fire power in the form of exclusive weaponry such as HMGs, RR guns or Alcotan-100 launchers, sniper rifles and MRAPs for transport. If PAF can place a flight detachment of 4 x fighters, that should be able to handle future UAV incursions from west as well as checkmate un-authorized aircraft entry in Gwadar airspace.
2. Transport helicopters offer a much more suitable capability to handle many situations such as recon, surveillance and of course air assault leading to insertion of troops at unexpected locations in minimal times apart from the medical services and supply. These helicopters help control a situation much more rapidly in COIN war, Terrorist attacks, capturing key enemy leaders and even evacuation. Gunship is air artillery. It can reach an area quickly and deploy all forms of armament, but its usually called in for specialized attacks when no other option is available. Mi-35 is excellent at both roles, however it deploys effectively well in conjunction with Mi-17.
3. In WW2 around 1940, When Churchill made a phone call for getting fighter aircrafts from US President, which were paid through loan by Americans and bought by British, the US President refused to fly them over to UK, further refusing to land them on a British aircraft carrier when requested by Churchill. The US President offered that these aircrafts will be landed near US-Canada border from where British can use horses to pull fighters from USA into Canada, not even through motorized transport. The US President said he was following deal as a neutral country citing from paperwork thus limiting his options to help the British. So, whether its AH-1Z or F-16, if USA can shrug aside personal request of British PM, then Pakistan should brace all situations. Z-10 has been tested by PAA, it can only make its place into inventory if the appropriate changes have been made to it, Somehow, Pakistan seems to go with Russian, European and American engines for aircrafts and helicopters. Z-9 in PN carries a licensed version of French engine. Z-10 - its features, its weapons have been discussed thoroughly many times, its best to leave it to official statement by Military, just as in case of J-10.
