China and Egypt launched their first joint air force exercise, named “Eagles of Civilization 2025,” at Wadi Abu Rish Air Base west of the Gulf of Suez. The drill involves Chinese J-10C fighter jets, KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft and refueling planes, alongside Egypt’s MiG-29s. The exercise began Saturday, April 19 and is expected to continue through mid-May, combining theoretical instruction and live aerial training.
Why is the location significant?
The air base is located about 100 kilometers from Israel’s southern border, raising regional concerns. Israeli officials view the exercise as a signal of increasing foreign military activity near the Sinai Peninsula, particularly amid growing tensions over Gaza and the Philadelphi Corridor.
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What does the training involve?
The drills include joint air sorties, mission planning simulations and combat scenario training. According to Egyptian military officials, the goal is to synchronize combat doctrines and increase the operational readiness of both air forces. Chinese officials called the drill a milestone in bilateral defense cooperation.
Analysts have raised concerns that Egypt’s increased military presence in the Sinai may exceed the limits set by the Camp David peace agreement with Israel. Satellite imagery reportedly shows deployments surpassing the treaty’s permitted battalion levels. Egypt has not confirmed these numbers.
How does this reflect China’s regional strategy?
The drill comes amid China’s broader efforts to expand its military footprint in the Middle East and Africa. In March, China joined Iran and Russia in a naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman. Analysts say the air exercise helps Beijing bolster defense partnerships in a region where U.S. influence has declined.
What is Egypt’s long-term goal with China?
Egypt has sought to diversify its defense partnerships and avoid dependence on any single global power. In recent years, it has purchased Chinese weapons, including electronic warfare systems, and allowed Beijing to participate in major infrastructure projects such as Egypt’s new administrative capital and port development. Egyptian officials are also reportedly using joint drills to gain leverage in fighter jet negotiations with multiple countries.
U.S. officials have not publicly criticized the exercise but acknowledge growing competition with China for regional influence. Former CENTCOM commander Gen. Joseph Votel described the development as a reminder that U.S. partners have alternatives when seeking military collaboration.
