China's Liberation Army Air Force has made a historic move by deploying its top-tier J-16 heavyweight fighter jets to Egypt for a joint training exercise. This marks the first time these highly capable aircraft have been sent outside of Asia, signaling a major expansion of China's military footprint.
At least six of the advanced twin-engine fighters arrived in Egypt to participate in the Eagles of Civilisation 2026 joint air exercise, which runs from mid-August to early September.
China makes historic military leap with first fighter deployment to Egypt
Before this landmark event, China had only sent the J-16 to the Russian Far East and Pakistan.
According to Military Watch Magazine, the arrival of these advanced jets in Egypt "represents an important step up from last year's China-Egypt exercise," which only featured smaller J-10C fighters and support aircraft.
