Chinese J-16 fighters arrive in Egypt ahead of Eagles of Civilisation 2026 joint drill

Multi-role PLA fighters travel 6,000km to take part in their first African deployment, refuelling in mid-air along the way

The planes and aviators taking part in the Eagles of Civilisation 2026 exercise arrived at an Egyptian airbase on Friday morning after a 6,000km (3,700-mile) journey that took nine hours and required the planes to refuel in mid-air, according to the People’s Liberation Army.

It added that the service personnel involved in the exercise had started preparations for the joint exercise. The PLA has previously said the drills would finish early next month.

The jet has previously featured in other overseas drills, including with Russia and Pakistan, but this is the first time it is taking part in an exercise with the Egyptian air force.

During its inaugural joint exercise with the North African country last year, China deployed J-10C fighters, which are lighter, single-engine multi-role jets.

The Chinese defence ministry said this year’s exercise would focus on air combat tactics and air superiority operations among other elements.