China holds second air drill with Egypt: What to know
China is seeking to strengthen ties with Egypt and Gulf states, including via joint air drills.
China held its second-ever air drill with Egypt this week as the two countries build defense ties amid the broader US-Iran conflict.
What happened: Chinese pilots in J-16 fighter jets conducted medium- and close-range combat drills with their Egyptian counterparts on Sunday, the Chinese military said in a statement.
Shenyang J-16 VS Dassault Rafale:
— China Military Bugle (@ChinaMilBugle) August 24, 2026
Chinese and Egyptian air force pilots participating in the Eagles of Civilization 2026 joint training conducted medium- and close-range air combat drills on August 23, 2026. #China #Egypt #AirForce#EaglesofCivilization2026#J16 #MiG29… pic.twitter.com/DduBaktqeM
The Chinese aircraft arrived in Egypt on Friday, after being refueled mid-air by a YY-20A tanker plane. The aerial fleet includes the J-16s, tankers, helicopters and other aircraft. This year’s drill marked the first time China has sent its J-16 fighter jet to the African continent, and the planes flew alongside Egypt’s French-made Rafale fighter jets, the Chinese military said.
The drill, dubbed Eagles of Civilization 2026, is being held for the second time. The inaugural exercise took place in Egypt in April 2025.
