China has deployed J-16 fighter jets more than 6,000 kilometres to Egypt in one of the clearest demonstrations yet of Beijing’s growing ability to move advanced combat aircraft over intercontinental distances into Africa.
According to Military Watch Magazine, the Chinese aircraft are participating in Eagles of Civilization 2026, the second joint air exercise between China and Egypt.
China’s state broadcaster CCTV said the formation crossed two continents and four countries during a journey of more than 6,000 kilometres that lasted almost nine hours.
During the flight to Egypt, China’s YY-20A aerial refuelling aircraft refuelled the J-16 fighters in the air.
The tanker also served as an airborne command node for the formation, according to CCTV, giving the deployment significance beyond simply moving individual fighter jets from China to Egypt.
