In the 1980s, as Beijing’s ties with the West improved, China secured a production licence for the French Aerospatiale Dauphin (AS365). Branded the Harbin Z‑9, the helicopter was initially assembled with many French components, but Chinese engineers gradually increased domestic content until fully indigenous versions emerged. The programme expanded beyond a transport model, spawning variants for reconnaissance, anti‑submarine warfare, search and rescue, and even attack versions equipped with anti‑tank missiles and guided weapons. Today the Z‑9 family is one of the most numerous rotorcraft in the People’s Liberation Army, serving the ground forces, navy and coast guard, and is seen as a successful example of China’s strategy of technology transfer and gradual localisation.