As part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries, J-10 fighter jets from the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) of China recently arrived in Egypt to participate in the “Eagles of Civilization-2025” exercise. In the coming days, the Chinese combat aircraft, supported by other aerospace assets from the PLAAF detachment, will carry out a series of joint activities with Egyptian Air Force fighters, notably including Russian-made MiG-29M/M2s.
Officially named “Eagles of Civilization-2025,” this joint exercise brings together, for the first time in Egypt, some of the most advanced and capable combat and support assets currently in service with the air forces of China and Egypt, with Egypt acting as the host nation.
China’s Ministry of National Defense has officially emphasized that this combined training exercise, taking place from mid-April through early May, “is of great significance in promoting pragmatic cooperation and strengthening mutual trust and friendship between the two armed forces.”
According to the Chinese Ministry of Defense, the PLAAF has mobilized a significant detachment from its domestic bases. While the spotlight is on the Chengdu J-10S (twin-seat version) and J-10C (single-seat version)—some of the most modern fighters in Chinese service—other platforms have also drawn attention upon arrival in Egypt.
Most notably, the presence of a Shaanxi KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft stands out as one of the most modern and capable platforms operated by the PLAAF. Also noteworthy is the deployment of one of the new YY-20A aerial refueling aircraft, based on the Xi’an Y-20 Kunpeng strategic airlifter.
The presence of the YY-20A is particularly significant, as it demonstrates the PLAAF’s long-range power projection capabilities far from mainland China, operating thousands of kilometers from its home bases while also showcasing interoperability with the combat systems of other nations.
Lastly, it is worth highlighting the combined air drills that the J-10S/C jets will carry out alongside some of the most modern fighters in service with the Egyptian Air Force. Among them are the Russian-made MiG-29M/M2s, one of the most advanced variants of the Fulcrum family currently in operation. According to several experts, these fighters are nearly identical to the MiG-35 and MiG-35UB models that Russia promotes for export.
Egypt’s acquisition of these fighters dates back to 2015, when it placed an order for a total of 46 units. They are equipped with the Zhuk-M1SE mechanically scanned radar and the T-220 targeting pod. In terms of armament, this MiG-29 variant can employ R-77 air-to-air missiles, subsonic Kh-35 and supersonic Kh-31 anti-ship missiles, the Kh-31P anti-radiation missile, and TV-guided KAB-500Kr bombs.
*Images: credit to respective sources.
You may also like China denies selling Chengdu J-10C fighters to replace Egypt’s Air Force F-16s
