China has deployed J-16 fighters, aerial refueling and airborne early warning aircraft to Egypt for a second joint exercise that significantly expands the scale of the two countries' military aviation cooperation.
The Eagles of Civilization 2026 exercise began its flying phase on Sunday, August 23, with Chinese J-16s conducting simulated air combat against Egyptian Air Force Dassault Rafale and MiG-29 fighters.
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It is the first known training encounter between the J-16 and Rafale and the first deployment of the Chinese fighter to Africa.
Images released by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) show the aircraft maneuvering at relatively close range. The initial missions involved one-on-one air combat, with more complex scenarios planned as the exercise progresses.
Before flying, Chinese and Egyptian crews exchanged information about their aircraft and discussed the scenarios, airspace control, safety requirements and emergency procedures.
The training is expected to progress from one-on-one and two-on-two engagements to larger joint operations involving different aircraft types.
Much larger deployment
The presence of the J-16 is part of a considerably more ambitious Chinese deployment than the one sent to Egypt last year.
At least six of the twin-engine fighters reportedly made the journey to Egypt. Supporting the deployment are YY-20 aerial refueling aircraft, Y-20 strategic transports and KJ-200 and KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft. A Z-20 utility helicopter was also sent to the country.
Chinese military sources said the formation traveled more than 6,000 km (3,730 miles), crossing two continents and several countries during a flight lasting nearly nine hours.
The YY-20 refueled the J-16s during the journey and was also used to assist with coordination of the formation. The deployment provides another demonstration of the PLAAF's growing ability to move a mixed combat force over long distances without relying solely on intermediate bases.
The J-16 itself is not offered for export. Developed from China's extensive experience with the Russian-designed Flanker family, the aircraft is a heavy multirole fighter equipped with modern Chinese sensors, weapons and electronic systems.
Its deployment contrasts with China's participation in the inaugural Eagles of Civilization exercise in 2025. On that occasion, the PLAAF sent J-10C/S fighters to Egypt alongside supporting aircraft.
Egypt does not operate Chinese fighters, although the J-10CE has repeatedly been associated with a possible Egyptian acquisition. Reports that Cairo had selected or purchased the aircraft circulated in recent years, but no order has been confirmed.
Unusual mix of combat aircraft
Egypt provides China with an unusual training partner because of the diverse origins of its combat fleet.
The Egyptian Air Force operates French Rafales, Russian MiG-29M/M2s and a large fleet of US-built F-16s. Its pilots therefore have extensive experience operating aircraft developed under different Western and Russian design philosophies.
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The current exercise has already brought the J-16 into simulated combat with the Rafale and MiG-29. Publicly available information does not indicate the rules of engagement, sensor limitations, simulated weapons or results of the encounters, making direct conclusions about the relative performance of the fighters impossible.
China and Egypt have instead described the exercise as an opportunity to exchange operational experience and improve coordination between their air forces.
The deployment also gives the PLAAF experience operating a diverse package of aircraft thousands of miles from China. While the 2025 exercise introduced Chinese J-10s to Egypt, the second edition adds a heavy fighter alongside tankers, transports, airborne early warning aircraft and helicopters.
Eagles of Civilization 2026 will continue into early September, with training scheduled to include air combat tactics, air superiority missions, combat search and rescue and exercises involving multiple aircraft types.
