lcloo
Major
Yes, their frigates will still need light helicopters unless they are able to extend the length of the helipad in the MLU of type 054A.I think they need a better ASW helicopter for the older ships. Sice the helipad size is a done deal they should just develop a coaxial helicopter.
This way you could have a larger useable airframe with more powerful engines and payload.
A note on Z9ME, these are for exports.