Modern Diplomacy published on 22 August 2026 a commentary titled "Egypt and China's 2026 Military Drills: What They Mean for US and Israeli Security" by Nadia Helmy, Beni Suef University.
The Egyptian-Chinese "Eagles of Civilization" military exercise involving the air forces of both countries reflects Cairo's pursuit of diversifying its arms sources and building operational independence. It also raises concerns in both Washington and Tel Aviv.
MiGFLUG posted on 23 August 2026 an article titled "China Flies Its Heavy Fighters to Africa" by Joseph Duncan.
A formation of Shenyang J-16 strike jets made its first flight to Africa and landed at an Egyptian air base on 21 August, opening the second edition of the "Eagles of Civilization" joint exercises between the Chinese and Egyptian air forces.
The J-16s covered more than 6,000 kilometers across two continents and four countries in roughly nine hours, topped up in the air by a Xian YY-20A refueling tanker.
This is another indication of Egypt's steadily deepening military cooperation with Beijing.
The London School of Economics and Political Science blog posted on 4 July 2025 a commentary titled "Egypt Is Diversifying Its Military Partners Away from the US" by Paa Kwesi Wolseley Prah, Lingnan University, and Christian Kaunert, University of South Wales.
This spring the Egyptian Air Force and China's PLA Air Force conducted joint air exercises in Egypt. The exercise sends a clear message to Washington that Egypt is diversifying its alliances and is not beholden to US patronage. It may also prompt other states in the region to hold similar exercises.
Military Africa published on 16 September 2024 an article titled "China's Y-20 Transport Aircraft in South Africa for AAD 2024" by Sarah Lesedi.
After participating in an air show in Egypt, the PLA Airforce flew its Y-20 transport aircraft to South Africa to take part in the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition. The Y-20 is one of the largest transport aircraft in the world and has a range of about 7,800 kilometers when fully loaded.
The National Interest published on 8 September 2024 an article titled "The F-16 Is Being Replaced by China's J-10C Fighter in 1 Air Force" by Peter Suciu.
Egypt has decided to replace its aging fleet of US-made F-16 Fighting Falcons with Chinese J-10C Vigorous Dragon fighters. Egypt will become the second nation to acquire the Chinese-made J-10C after Pakistan. Cairo's decision to select the J-10C over the F-16 was apparently based on price and aircraft capabilities.
The South China Morning Post published on 27 August 2024 an article titled "China's Y-20 Transport Plane Heads to Egypt on Mideast Military Influence Mission" by Zhao Ziwen.
China's Y-20 transport plane and six J-10's, China's first domestic advanced jet fighter, flew over Cairo in advance of the upcoming Egypt International Airshow. This is clearly an effort to show off China's most advanced military aircraft to an audience in North Africa and the Middle East.
Global Times published on 30 July 2024 an article titled "China-Tanzania Joint Military Drill Kicks Off, 'Reflects Chinese Continental Power Projection Capabilities'" by Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan.
This is part of continuing military exercises with Tanzania that this year will include Mozambique and focus on counterterrorism. For the first time, it will include two PLA Navy landing ships and a guided missile destroyer. Also, for the first time, a PLA Air Force Y-20 strategic transport aircraft will participate.
News.Az published on 31 July 2024 an article titled "China Strengthens Position: Large-scale Military Drills in Africa."
The article underscores the point that these military exercises demonstrate China's desire for global influence through military cooperation.
Defence Web published on 21 May 2024 an article titled "China and South Africa Agree to Strengthen Military Ties Amid Fresh Visits" by Guy Martin.
China's Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun met with Vice Admiral Monde Lobese of the South African Navy in Beijing on 20 May to discuss strengthening military cooperation. On 16 May, the PLAN frigate CNS Xuchang arrived in Cape Town.
