In a rare and strategic show of cooperation, Egypt has welcomed Chinese fighter jets and early warning systems for the joint air exercises dubbed Eagles of Civilisation 2025, signalling a shift in Cairo’s military alignment amid growing tensions with the West.
The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) of China deployed its J-10C fighter aircraft, accompanied by the KJ-500 airborne early warning and control systems, marking the first time this high-tech fleet has operated beyond Chinese borders. The exercises come at a time when Egypt is under increased pressure from Western powers over its stance on the Gaza crisis and the refusal to absorb displaced Palestinians.
Egypt’s air power has traditionally leaned on Western partnerships, with over 180 F-16s in active duty and dozens of French-made Rafales on order. However, persistent downgrades and restrictions on these aircraft have prompted Egyptian defense planners to look eastward. Sources suggest Cairo placed its first order for China’s J-10C jets earlier this year.
The drills also brought China’s YY-20 aerial tankers to Egyptian soil, enabling a non-stop 6,000-kilometre journey from East Asia. The deployment has not only demonstrated China’s expanding global reach but also presented new options for Egypt, which currently lacks long-range refueling capabilities in its air fleet.
Egypt remains the only African country operating airborne early warning aircraft, but its American E-2 Hawkeyes, procured decades ago, are becoming obsolete. The arrival of the KJ-500 offers Cairo an opportunity to assess a next-generation replacement that integrates smoothly with the J-10C.
Alongside the Chinese aircraft, Egypt deployed its Russian-made MiG-29M fighters—acquired in 2015 and the only modern jets in its fleet not subject to Western export restrictions. Still, the J-10C stands out with its advanced AESA radar, electronic warfare tools, and long-range air-to-air missiles, including the PL-10 and PL-15, offering capabilities that surpass those of the F-16s, Rafales, and MiGs currently in Egyptian service.
China’s growing profile as a defense partner is rooted in its progress in developing both fifth and sixth-generation combat aircraft. As cooperation deepens, analysts say Egypt could increasingly diversify its military supply chains, positioning itself at the intersection of East-West defense dynamics.
The joint drills are expected to conclude later this month, with both sides closely watching the operational outcomes—and future possibilities.