Egypt and China wrap up joint air force training exercise

Egypt and China completed their first joint air force training exercise on Monday, according to the Global Times, a Chinese state-run nationalist tabloid aligned with the Communist Party. The 18-day drill, dubbed “Eagles of Civilization 2025,” was held at Egypt’s Wadi al-Natrun Air Base and featured advanced aircraft from both sides, including Chinese J-10C fighters and YU-20 tankers.

Exercises focused on air superiority combat, suppressive air defence, and battlefield coordination, culminating in a low-altitude flyover of the Pyramids. The deployment marked the first time the People’s Liberation Army Air Force has dispatched a full operational unit to Africa.

Chinese analysts cited in the Global Times framed the operation as a demonstration of China’s growing expeditionary capability and deepening strategic ties with Egypt. The manoeuvres also reflect Cairo’s efforts to modernise its military while broadening its defence partnerships beyond traditional Western allies.