Chinese fighter jets soar over Egypt in first ever joint military drills

Egypt and China conducted a joint air force exercise, 'Eagles of Civilization 2025', showcasing increasing military cooperation.
Egypt is Africa's strongest military power, and its partnership with China could signify a strategic pivot in defence ties.
Egypt's collaboration with China risks U.S. backlash, but it aligns with Cairo's need for stronger defence capabilities amid regional crises.

On Monday, China’s military released footage of fighter jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft soaring over the Sahara Desert.

Billed as a milestone in growing military ties, the exercises signal a notable shift in regional alliances, especially in a part of the world long tethered to U.S. influence, according to Reuters.

The partnership is particularly significant given Egypt’s status as Africa’s most powerful military force, ranked 19th globally and boasting one of the continent’s largest defence budgets.

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The exercises come amid a shifting geopolitical landscape. Since President Donald Trump’s return to office, Washington has adopted a more protectionist stance, scaling back foreign aid and dialling down its regional military commitments.

China steps into the vacuum

This retreat has left room for China to invest billions in strategic partnerships across North Africa and beyond.

The Global Times in China reported on the drill, saying the joint training marked the first time the People’s Liberation Army Air Force has deployed a systematic force to Africa for such exercises.

Eric Olander, co-founder of the China-Global South Project warned that Egypt’s pivot toward Chinese defence systems could be costly, noting the high expenses of switching military platforms.

Egypt's collaboration with China risks U.S. backlash, but it aligns with Cairo's need for stronger defence capabilities amid regional crises.

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Since the late 1970s, the U.S. has been Egypt’s main defence ally, also backing key neighbours including Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf states. However, recent U.S. foreign aid cuts have left many in the region rethinking their alliances.

For Egypt, the timing is critical. It faces simultaneous crises, the war in Gaza to the northeast, ethnic violence in Sudan to the south, and political instability in Libya to the west. These threats have increased the urgency for Cairo to bolster its defence capabilities.

China has pledged billions of dollars in investments in Egypt, including funding satellite manufacturing facilities with potential military applications.