After the navalised Z-20J variant of the Chinese transport and multi-purpose helicopter Harbin Z-20 was presented to the public at the Zuhai Airshow in November 2024, this flight type was already shown on board the amphibious assault carrier "Hainan" (Type 75, 237 metres, 31,000 tonnes) during on-board operations in the Chinese media in mid-2025.

Equipped with a five-bladed rotor, the Seahawk equivalent (Sikorsky SH-60R/S, four-bladed rotor) fills the operational gap between the heavy Z-8 (replica French Super-Frelon) and the light Z-9 on-board helicopter (replica Aerospatiale Dauphin). The Z-20J extends the amphibious capabilities of the PLA-N and makes up for a backlog of twenty years. Another variant, the Z-20F, is configured for submarine hunting. The Chinese Blackhawk copy, manufactured by Harbin Aircraft Industries in China's north-easternmost province, first flew twelve years ago as a mountain-capable 10-tonne transport and multi-role helicopter and was handed over to the troops in 2019. The model is produced in series and in large numbers, with a total long-term production for the armed forces of up to 3,000 units.