Strategic Horizons, a publication of the Air University, just published an edition that contains my article titled "China's Expanding Airpower in the Western Indian Ocean."
This is an in-depth analysis of China's evolving airpower posture across the Western Indian Ocean from Pakistan to the coast of Africa from Egypt to South Africa, including the island countries. It reflects research as of mid-2025
The Diplomat published on 20 May 2025 an analysis titled "What a China-Egypt Military Training Reveals About the PLA's Air Combat Readiness" by Ying Yu Lin, Tamkang University in Taipei.
The recently completed "Eagles of Civilization" air force exercise between China and Egypt demonstrated improved integration capabilities of the PLA Air Force (PLAAF). It was also an opportunity for the PLAAF to showcase to potential international buyers its newest aircraft such as the KJ-500 early warning aircraft and the J-10C fighter jet.
Business Insider Africa published on 7 May 2025 an article titled "Chinese Fighter Jets Soar over Egypt in First Ever Joint Military Drills" by Adekunle Agbetiloye.
Egypt and China have just completed a joint air force exercise over the Sahara Desert involving fighter jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft. This is a first for China and Egypt and sends a signal to the United States, as it dismantles foreign aid and pulls back from Africa that Egypt is seeking to expand its security relationships.
Newsweek published on 22 April 2025 an article titled "China Shows Off New Warplanes in Challenge to U.S." by Amira El-Fekki.
China's first joint air force exercise with Egypt highlighted Beijing's push to project power into the Middle East and North Africa. The PLA Air Force sent J-10c and J-10s fighters while Egypt fielded its MiG-29 aircraft for the exercise.
The Asia Live News Service published on 16 April 2025 an article titled "Chinese Xian Y-20 Strategic Airlifters in Egypt: A Defining Moment in Middle East Power Realignment."
In early April, six Chinese Y-20 strategic airlifters arrived at an Egyptian airbase. The Y-20 is China's answer to the American C-17 Globemaster. The contents of the Y-20 aircraft have not been made public. The aircraft returned to China after 72 hours on the ground in Egypt.
This event was a strategic signal from Beijing to the world--and especially to Washington--that China's military influence is no longer confined to East Asia. For Egypt, it was a calculated pivot in its decades-old dependence on Western military support. A partnership with China, allows Egypt to hedge its bets. Egypt's arms diversification is occurring as Saudi Arabia, and the UAE expand their military ties with China.
