Egypt, China Train Together in Maiden Joint Air Exercise

The first ever joint military air exercise, between Egypt and China codenamed Eagles of Civilization – 2025 is underway at an airbase in Egypt.

"The joint training will run until early May. The Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) aircraft will train in collaboration with assets of the Egyptian Air Force. This will help enhance technical and tactical capabilities of the two air forces and deepen substantive cooperation between the Chinese and Egyptian militaries," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, in a press conference.

As per the Egyptian Army, the exercises aim to align combat strategies, with joint air sorties and mission planning exercises forming a core part of the program.

The air exercises due to conclude early this month, includes a mix of theoretical and practical training sessions, including air combat and mid-air refueling drills along with air support and battlefield Search and Rescue training.

The PLAAF has deployed fighter jets, Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft, mid-air refuellers and helicopters for the exercises, along with J-10C fighter jet, YU-20 tankers and KJ-500 early warning aircraft.

PLAAF aircraft undertook the nearly 6,000 km (3728 mi) journey transiting through multiple countries. The Egyptian Air Force is participating in the exercises with MiG-29 fighter jets.