Egypt and China have marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relations and regional military dynamics by hosting the inaugural Eagles of Civilization 2025 joint air exercise – the first such drill between the two nations.
The Eagles of Civilization 2025 exercise, held in Egypt between 19 April and 4 May, underscores China’s expanding military footprint in the region and Egypt’s efforts to diversify its defence partnerships. For China, the exercise demonstrates its growing ability to project power beyond its immediate neighbourhood, particularly into Africa and the Middle East—regions critical to its Belt and Road Initiative and global ambitions.
The joint drill featured a comprehensive programme of activities, including:
Joint flight operations and air combat mission planning
Airspace management and combat operations management
Theoretical instruction and practical lectures
Air combat training, joint air strikes, aerial refuelling, and air support
Battlefield search and rescue, coordinated operations, and tactical confrontations
China dispatched a robust detachment from its People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), including:
Five Y-20 transport aircraft and one YY-20 aerial refuelling aircraft
At least six J-10C fighter jets and several J-10S trainer aircraft
One KJ-500 early warning aircraft and at least one Z-20 helicopter
Egypt contributed its MiG-29s and other aircraft, although specific Egyptian aircraft involved in the exercise were not fully disclosed.
Footage appearing to show an Egyptian military officer sitting in a J-10S during the exercise has fuelled speculation that Cairo might be considering adding the J-10C to its air force, as there have been unconfirmed reports that Egypt is interested in acquiring the type.
The exercise was not only operationally significant but also symbolically charged. A flyover by Chinese warplanes over the pyramids was widely seen as a demonstration of deepening military ties and a signal of China’s rising influence in a region long dominated by Western powers. The drills included both aerial and ground-based operations, focusing on tactical coordination, logistics, and real-time combat scenario missions.
The timing and location of the exercise are particularly strategic. Egypt’s control of the Suez Canal, a vital artery for global trade, enhances the importance of its partnership with China. The collaboration also comes at a time when Egypt’s relationship with the United States has faced strains, and China is seeking to expand its influence through both economic and security initiatives.
The Eagles of Civilization 2025 exercise is emblematic of a broader realignment in the Middle East. As China strengthens ties with countries across the region—including recent naval drills with Iran and Russia—it is increasingly viewed as a key player in regional security. For Egypt, this partnership offers new opportunities to enhance its military capabilities and strategic autonomy.
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