China and Egypt Conduct Joint Air Force Exercises to Test Long-Range Force Projection

The People's Liberation Army Air Force conducted its first African deployment to Egypt for the "Eagles of Civilization 2026" joint training exercise. During the mission, Chinese J-16 multirole fighters traveled over 6,000km from China to Egypt, requiring mid-air refueling from YU-20 tankers to reach the destination. The exercise features a first-time head-to-head matchup between China's J-16 and France's Rafale fighter jets. The training focuses on air combat tactics, air superiority operations, and combat search and rescue. The Chinese defense ministry noted that the exercise aims to enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation between the Chinese and Egyptian militaries. The deployment tested the air force's capabilities in rapid deployment and integrated operations. The Chinese defense ministry spokesperson, Chen Xi, stated that the joint training will contribute to regional peace and stability. The exercise is scheduled to continue until early September.

Sources

• Business Insider Africa
  China’s advanced J-16 fighter jets face off with French Rafale jets for the first time on African soil amid India’s $20 billion push for 114 Rafales
• Bloomberg
  China’s Fighter Jet Gets Rare Chance to Face Rafales in Exercise
• South China Morning Post
  China’s J-16s face off against Egypt’s Rafales in combat drills as Iran war rumbles on
• Military Watch Magazine
  Chinese YY-20 Heavy Tankers Revealed to Have Airborne Command Capability to Support Fighter Operations
• Ministry of National Defense People's Republic of China
  Regular Press Briefing of the Ministry of National Defense on August 14, 2026